LIBRARY  OF  THE 
UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS 
AT  URBANA-CHAMPAIGN 


Q709.773 
B43h 


ILURM  HISTORICAL  SUIWY 


I 

f 

I 

i  I  S  T  O  R  Y     C 

^lUSIC  AND  AF 

)  F 

(T 

I  S 

N     I  L  L  I  N  O 

Portraits    and    Biogra- 
phies of  the  cultured 
men  and  women  who 
have  been  liberal  pa- 
trons   of    the    higher 
Arts      :      :      :      :      : 

== 

FRANCES    CHENEY     BENNETT 

SOCIETE       UNIVERSELLE       LYRIQUE 

0          Copyright,  1904 
BY  FRANCES  CHENEY  BENNETT 


INTRODUCTION. 


There  is  a  history  in  all  men's  lives, 
Figuring  the  nature  of  the  time   deceased; 
The  which  observed,  a  man  may  prophesy 
With  a  near  aim,  of  the  main  chance  of  things 
As  yet  not  come  to  life,  which  in  their  seeds 
And  weak  beginnings  lie  entreasured." 

Shakespeare,  Henry  IV.,  Part  II.,  Act  III.,  Scene  I. 

So  wrote  the  great  bard  in  the  long  ago,  and  the  years 
that  have  passed  have  in  no  way  dimmed  the  truth  of  his  ut- 
terance. The  thought  that  we  live  by  deeds  not  hours,  that 
life  is  only  worth  living  as  it  means  achievement,  that  every 
day  in  each  individual  life  is  making  history,  is  familiar  to 
us  all.  It  has  been  expressed  again  and  again  by  philosopher 
and  sage  and  poet  since  Shakespeare  wrote  the  words  that 
have  become  immortal. 

An  eminent  divine  once  said:  "  If  my  library  must  be 
taken  from  me,  leaving  me  but  one  class  of  books,  give  me 
my  Biographies."  This  man,  recognized  as  one  of  the  most 
brilliant  pulpit  orators  in  America,  realized  that  in  the  pe- 
rusal of  biographies  one  comes  in  touch  with  the  realms  of 
art,  music  and  science,  with  the  miracles  of  discovery  and  the 
wonders  of  research.  However  fascinating  other  studies  may 
prove,  there  is  nothing  that  can  compare  in  variety  and  in 
scope  with  the  study  of  human  nature  and  the  story  of  human 
effort  and  achievement. 

The  idea  of  presenting  the  history  of  the  music  and 
art  of  a  State,  or  a  section  of  country,  by  writing  the 
biographies  of  those  actively  engaged  along  these  lines  or  of 
the  patrons  of  such  enterprises,  was  a  happy  thought.  It  left 

O 


4  INTRODUCTION. 

the  door  of  many  a  sanctum  ajar  and  revealed  the  very  self 
of  those  who  have  made  possible  the  history  in  which  all  feel 
so  laudable  and  just  a  pride.  The  State  of  Illinois  has  been 
selected  as  one  whose  history  shall  be  thus  told,  and  the 
result  of  the  effort  has  been  the  bringing  together  of  names 
illustrious  and  honorable,  and  the  providing  of  a  look  into 
lives  cultured,  broad  and  uplifting.  Into  Illinois,  in  the  begin- 
ning, came  the  very  cream  of  the  sturdiness  and  intelligence  of 
the  New  England  and  Middle  States,  with  the  spirit  of  the 
Eevolution  still  dominant.  Then  came  also  the  culture  and 
genial  hospitality  of  the  South,  and  all  combined  to  develop 
the  best  in  their  adopted  State.  The  result  was  one  of  the 
wonders  of  the  century  just  closed,  and  Illinois  stands  to-day 
second  to  no  State  in  the  Union  from  any  standpoint. 

Business  interests  have  developed  and  flourished,  manu- 
factures are  large  and  important,  educational  advantages 
are  the  best,  while  such  strides  have  been  made  in  music  and 
art  as  to  justify  the  prediction  that  Chicago  will  yet  become 
the  music  and  art  center  of  this  country.  The  years  have 
wrought  great  advances  in  the  existence  of  a  general  edu- 
cation in  art  and  music  and  of  more  cultivated  literary  tastes. 

There  are  writers  and  speakers  who  seem  to  delight  to 
revel  in  a  sort  of  pessimistic  rant  over  the  degeneracy  of  the 
times  and  to  sigh  for  the  days  gone  by.  Whatever  has  made 
the  "  rift  in  the  lute  "  for  them,  it  is  a  fact  that  the  people 
as  a  whole  are  far  more  cultured  than  a  half  century 
ago.  Then  the  distinction  between  the  business  and  the 
professional  man  was  wide,  and,  unless  to  fit  her  for  some 
particular  vocation,  it  was  hardly  thought  necessary  to  in- 
flict a  thorough  educational  training  upon  the  daughter  of 
the  family.  To-day  the  demand  for  educated  business  men 
has  been  felt  and  met.  The  magazines  have  lent  their  in- 
fluence to  this  end  in  presenting  papers  on  every  variety  of 
topic— music,  art,  politics,  religion,  fiction  and  every  sort  of 
subject  calculated  to  amuse  or  instruct  the  reader.  The 
women  in  our  homes  have  become  earnest  students,  accom- 
plished linguists,  musicians  and  artists. 

Advantages  of  travel,  once  the  privilege  of  the  rich,  are 


INTRODUCTION.  5 

now  within  the  reach  of  the  multitude,  and,  as  a  result,  there 
is  a  general  familiarity  with  works  of  art  before  unknown. 
Men,  whose  days  are  filled  with  the  fret  and  stress  of  business, 
delight  in  the  possession  of  a  Corot,  a  Millet  or  a  Meissonier, 
a  portrait  from  master-brush  or  a  painting  by  Freer,  Mers- 
filder  or  Chas.  F.  Brourn.  The  sonatas  of  Beethoven,  the 
nocturnes  and  waltzes  of  Chopin,  Listz's  Fantasies  and 
Rhapsody,  and  so  on  through  the  wealth  of  the  musical 
world,  are  known  even  to  the  children  of  our  homes,  and  the 
statues  of  ancient  and  modern  times  find  ready  recognition 
by  the  multitude.  With  this  sort  of  general  education 
broadcast,  it  is  not  strange  that  so  much  has  been  accom- 
plished during  even  a  few  years.  The  child  who  once 
strummed  with  her  little  fingers  on  the  window-sill,  dreaming 
of  the  sweet  chords  that  would  not  come,  has  now,  if  nothing 
more,  her  toy  piano,  from  which,  with  tiny  fingers,  she  brings 
melody.  The  youth  who,  wandering  over  the  meadow,  saw 
beauty  in  the  falling  leaf  and  springing  flower,  but  had  noth- 
ing to  encourage  his  art-dreams,  may  now  make  his  own,  at 
least  for  a  time,  the  treasures  of  a  free  institute,  and  learn  to 
handle  the  colors  he  loves  so  well.  The  free  library  has 
opened  to  the  humblest  home  the  world  of  poetry  and  science, 
of  history  and  fiction,  and  to-day  ignorance  is  the  result  of 
choice,  not  a  necessity.  With  all  this  atmosphere  of  research 
as  an  environment,  it  is  no  marvel  that  even  in  her  compara- 
tively short  career  Illinois  lays  claim  to  such  an  honorable 
history— her  musical,  artistic  and  literary  life— as  is  un- 
folded in  the  biographies  included  in  this  volume.  It  is  not 
claimed  that  all  are  found  in  this  book  who  desire  a  place  in 
so  illustrious  a  roll-call.  The  plan  of  work  by  which  this 
book  was  arranged  was  broad  and  ambitious.  It  attempted 
and  has  achieved  much,  but  not  all  it  contemplated.  Reasons 
for  this  are  obvious.  It  has  been  impossible  for  the  pub- 
lishers, though  they  have  delayed  the  issuing  of  the  book  far 
beyond  the  original  design,  to  reach  all  they  desired  to  in- 
clude. 

Not  entirely  understanding,  no  doubt,  the  importance 
and  the  scope  of  the  work,  many  have  not  co-operated  as  it 


6  INTRODUCTION. 

was  believed  they  would,  and  it  has  been  impossible  to  se- 
cure the  data  necessary  to  include  them  in  the  book.  Some 
have  been  abroad,  others,  possibly,  who  should  have  been 
included,  have  changed  their  residence  to  other  States  and 
have  thus  been  overlooked.  One  cannot  claim  perfection 
even  for  enterprises  of  the  twentieth  century,  but  an  honest 
effort  has  been  made  to  represent  each  part  of  the  State  and 
each  branch  of  work  as  far  as  possible.  In  looking  over  the 
list  of  those  who  have  a  place  in  this  history,  several  general 
characteristics  suggest  themselves  to  the  thoughtful  reader. 
Possibly  first  is  the  comparative  youth  of  those  who  have 
achieved  so  much  of  importance  in  this  sort  of  history.  No 
age  of  the  world  was  ever  more  emphatically  the  age  of  youth 
than  is  the  present. 

The  presidents  of  our  universities,  the  heads  of  great 
enterprises,  the  artists  in  our  studios,  the  greatest  musicians, 
are  found  very  largely  in  the  ranks  of  those  still  in  the  prime 
of  life  and  younger.  It  is  said  that  people  are  living  many 
years  in  one,  and  this  may  be  true  in  a  sense  that  brings 
regret,  but  it  is  also  true  in  another  sense. 

Equipments  for  all  sorts  of  educational  work  are  so 
complete;  lectures,  recitals,  musicales  and  exhibits  so  open 
the  door  to  even  the  child  student ;  that  oiir  youth  make  rapid 
strides  up  the  hill  of  knowledge,  and  early  learn  to  think, 
to  do  and  to  win  for  themselves.  This  prominence  of  youth 
is  a  peculiarly  distinguishing  characteristic  of  the  newer 
States,  and  Illinois  has  not  yet  counted  the  years  long  enough 
to  have  lost  the  charm. 

Possibly  this  might  not  be  considered  remarkable  along 
many  lines,  since  this  is  called  the  age  of  Young  America, 
and  from  President  down  through  the  lines  of  executive 
officials,  in  the  pulpit  and  on  the  forum,  youth  sometimes 
seems  the  most  essential  desideratum.  But  in  the  history 
of  Nation  or  State  we  look  for  the  development  of  its  literary 
and  art  work  latest,  since  in  a  way  they  do  not  represent 
the  essentials  of  practical  life.  With  us,  however,  the 
President  of  our  great  university  is  a  man  still  in  his  prime. 
The  directors  and  leaders  in  musical  and  art  circles,  our 


INTRODUCTION.  7 

Lorados,  Tafts  and  Ralph  Clarksons,  our  poets  and  our 
singers,  are  very  largely  young  men  and  women,  or  those 
still  on  the  sunny  side  of  life.  Any  observer  of  musical 
and  art-life  in  Chicago  must  have  been  impressed  with  this 
fact  in  attending  the  various  entertainments  given.  The 
Mendelssohn  Club,  Chicago's  favorite  musical  club,  is  for 
the  most  part  a  club  of  young  men,  with  its  leader,  Harrison 
M.  Wild,  still  in  his  prime.  Wilhelm  Middleschulte,  as 
organist  and  composer,  Walter  Spry,  as  pianist,  Theo.  Spier- 
ing,  a  violinist  and  leader  of  one  of  the  finest  string  quar- 
tettes in  Chicago,  George  J.  Hamlin,  Charles  W.  Clark, 
Helen  Buckley,  Jenny  Osborn,  and  other  singers  of  note,  are 
all  representatives  of  the  present  musical  effort.  Among 
the  studios  the  same  truth  is  everywhere  present,  that  to 
comparative  youth  in  the  world  of  achievement  is  given  the 
sceptre  and  the  crown. 

One  characteristic  of  this  list  which  is  eloquent  of  the 
times  in  which  we  live  is  the  prominent  place  not  given  to 
but  gained  by  women.  Some  of  the  most  important  posi- 
tions have  been  and  are  occupied  by  them.  With  Mrs.  Pot- 
ter Palmer  among  the  national,  and  Mrs.  Ralph  Emerson 
among  the  State  representatives  to  the  great  exposition  in 
Paris;  Mrs.  Warren  Springer,  a  member  of  the  Chicago 
Press  Club,  and  among  the  leaders  in  the  new  industrialism 
of  the  day,  and  others  in  positions  of  responsibility  and  in- 
fluence, one  may  well  feel  that  women  have  proved  their 
ability  and  fitness  for  most  prominent  and  important  ser- 
vice. In  the  realms  of  music  we  not  only  have  our  Thomas 
and  our  Sherwood,  our  Ziegfelds  and  others  organizing  and 
conducting  musical  colleges,  not  only  our  De  Koven  and  our 
Neidlinger,  Matthews,  Bronson,  the  Roots  and  other  writers 
of  songs  and  ballads,  Bernhard  Ziehn  and  Carl  Wolfsohn 
standing  for  the  highest  ideals  in  the  musical  world,  but 
there  are  many  women  who  do  not  suffer  by  comparison. 
Ellen  Crosby,  who  has  no  superior  as  the  interpreter  of 
Wagner,  Mrs.  Gaynor,  Mrs.  Bond,  Anita  L.  Owen,  Eleanor 
Smith  and  other  composers;  Anna  Shaw  Faulkner,  with  her 
wonderful  musical  lectures  and  interpretations;  Genevieve 


8  INTRODUCTION. 

Clark  Wilson,  Eleanor  Sherwood  and  many  another  sweet 
singer,  take  rank  with  the  very  first  nmsicians  of  to-day. 
In  Alton,  Jacksonville,  Quincy,  Aurora,  Springfield,  Knox- 
ville,  Galesburg,  Rockford  and  many  other  cities  are  conser- 
vatories of  music  and  musical  societies  which  owe  their  ex- 
istence and  success  entirely  to  the  efforts  of  talented  musi- 
cal women.  The  same  may  be  said  of  every  line  of  artistic 
and  literarjr  work  In  many  a  studio  husband  and  wife 
work  together  in  generous  rivalry,  while  in  hundreds  of 
other  studios  scattered  through  the  State  girlish  faces  bend 
over  the  easel,  and  girlish  hands  work  in  wood  and  metal. 
Miss  Christia  M.  Reade  has  no  rival  in  her  work  in  metals, 
illuminated  text  and  stained  glass,  and  a  stroll  through  the 
Art  Institute,  which  is  doing  such  a  great  work  for  this  sec- 
tion of  country,  is  a  revelation  as  to  what  women,  many 
young  women,  are  achieving  in  various  lines  of  art. 

We  have  alluded  to  Dr.  Harper,  in  many  respects  the 
wonder  of  the  age  in  educational  circles.  He  has  many  noble 
co-workers  in  the  presidents  of  the  various  universities  in 
Illinois.  But  some  of  the  brightest  students  who  enter 
these  schools  of  learning  go  there  from  academies  and  sem- 
inaries founded,  taught  and  educated  by  women. 

This  unity  of  aim  and  effort  between  the  intelligent 
men  and  women  on  the  highest  plain  of  literary  and  artistic 
life  is  one  of  the  most  marked  features  of  this  epoch,  and, 
perhaps,  emphasizes  its  existence  in  unconscious  fashion 
in  this  history.  A  distinguishing  feature  which  may  appeal 
to  the  patriotism  of  every  loyal  heart  is  the  fact  that 
so  largely  the  history  of  music  and  art  in  Illinois  is 
the  history  of  the  efforts  of  American  men  and  women. 
In  a  series  of  articles  which  recently  appeared  in  one  of  the 
daily  papers  of  Chicago  one  of  the  most  eminent  musicians 
this  country  boasts  made  earnest  plea  for  American  teachers 
and  American  musicians.  Not  so  very  many  years  have 
passed  since  American  music  was  regarded  as  crude,  Amer- 
ican singers  as  only  mediocre,  and  American  teachers  as 
unable  to  produce  satisfactory  results,  defying  comparison 
with  the  best  instruction  given  in  the  old  world.  A  revolu- 


INTRODUCTION.  9 

tion  has  taken  place  in  this  respect.  American  composers  are 
obtaining  recognition,  in  spite  of  the  prejudices  of  educa- 
tion, in  the  old  world;  our  singers  are  crowned  with  laurels 
across  the  water,  and  we  have  pianists  who  deserve  a  place 
among  the  best  in  the  world. 

No  more  realistic  composition  was  ever  written  than 
McDowell's  "  March  Winds;"  no  sweeter  songs  than  Flor- 
ence Aylward,  J.  G.  Wison,  Neidlinger,  C.  B.  Hawley  and 
others  already  named  have  given  us ;  no  sweeter  singers  than 
those  of  our  own  country  who,  whether  in  oratorio,  opera  or 
concert,  delight  and  charm.  Could  that  sweet  queen  of  song, 
Maria  Litta,  have  been  spared,  who  shall  say  that  we  might 
not  have  given  another  Patti  to  an  idolizing  world?  As 
the  years  pass  ideals  grow  more  lofty,  standards  higher,  pos- 
sibilities seem  greater  and  ambition  grows  boundless.  It 
is  a  living  commentary  on  the  change  of  conditions  to  note 
how  the  wonders  accomplished  in  Illinois  have  been  wrought 
for  the  most  part  by  those  who  are  American  by  birth  or 
adoption,  and  gratifying  to  know  how  some  of  the  best  re- 
sults have  been  achieved  by  those  whose  education  has  been 
received  wholly  in  this  country.  As  we  have  turned  over 
the  pages  of  this  volume,  looking  into  the  earnest  faces,  each 
full  of  purpose ;  as  we  have  read  the  story  of  each  life,  every 
one  a  history  of  resolve  and  effort,  it  has  seemed  as  if  these 
simple  stories,  simply  told,  should  be  the  greatest  inspira- 
tion, not  only  to  those  who  come  after  to  make  later  history, 
but  to  the  readers  of  to-day.  Not  without  honest,  earnest 
effort  have  these  results  been  reached;  obstacles  which 
seemed  insurmountable  have  been  overcome ;  prejudices  have 
been  met  and  conquered;  innovations  have  been  battled  for 
and  triumphed.  Not  cloudless  the  sky  which  stretches 
over  the  voyager  who  dares  to  enter  unknown  ports.  Not 
rose-strewn  the  path  that  leads  to  fame.  When  the  tasks  of 
life  are  done  by  magic,  when  your  work  and  mine  is  accom- 
plished by  wishing  it  was  done,  then  will  fame  be  won  with- 
out effort  and  the  laurel  wreath  without  a  sigh.  The  lives  of 
these  men  and  women  represent  self-denial,  earnest  conse- 


10  INTRODUCTION. 

cration,  true  ambition,  untiring  perseverance,  the  ignoring 
of  discouragement,  and  at  the  end— success. 

Not  only  to  the  toiler,  however,  has  result  been  wholly 
due,  but  as  well  to  the  many  patrons,  who,  by  their  gen- 
erosity and  appreciation,  have  opened  the  door  of  coveted 
possibilities.  The  beautiful  music-rooms  in  palatial  homes 
opened  for  the  giving  of  delightful  musicales,  the  private 
art  galleries  where  hang  choice  pictures  from  home  artists, 
are  the  evidences  that  these  cultured  men  and  women  have  a 
deserved  place  in  such  a  history  as  this. 

In  a  careful  perusal  of  this  history  of  lives  which  have 
meant  so  much  for  the  various  realms  they  portray,  the 
thought  can  but  be  present  of  the  many,  many  who  have  had 
a  share  in  making  achievement  possible,  whose  names  find 
no  place  on  written  page.  We  sometimes  speak  lightly  of 
the  hand  which  rocks  the  cradle,  but  in  the  utter  self-forget- 
fulness  of  many  a  mother  and  the  glad  self-denial  in  many 
a  home  was  made  possible  the  success  of  loved  ones.  Per- 
haps no  record  will  ever  be  made  even  of  the  name  of  some 
noble  heart  whose  greatest  boon  was  to  live  its  life  in  the 
victory  of  another.  No  picture  will  ever  be  made  of  mam7 
a  sweet  face  whose  brightest  smile  was  over  the  achievement 
of  one  beloved.  In  many  a  studio,  at  many  a  desk,  back  of 
many  a  sweet  singer,  is  the  memory  of  some  dear,  unselfish 
life  whose  history  is  unsung  save  as  an  angel  with  reverent 
pen  shall  write:  "  She  hath  done  what  she  could."  The 
pioneers  of  yesterday— 

"  Brave,   stalwart  men,   born   Nature's   kings, 
'  True-hearted   women,   Nature's   queens," 

made  passible  the  artists  and  the  singers,  the  educators  and 
the  authors,  the  art  and  the  music  of  to-day.  Let  their  un- 
written history  never  be  forgotten  in  the  pride  and  success 
of  the  present,  nor  let  us  forget  that  but  for  their  heroism 
such  histories  as  those  in  which  we  have  an  honest  pride  could 
never  have  had  existence. 

That  Illinois,  that  this  middle-west,  has  a  great  future 
is  an  accepted  fact.  The  years  will  bring,  no  doubt,  develop- 


INTRODUCTION.  11 

ment  of  present  ideas,  fruition  of  hopes  now  little  more  than 
dreams,  improvement  of  what  now  seems  perfection.  Be 
this  as  it  may,  it  is  safe  to  predict  that  there  can  be  no 
history  embodying  the  lives  of  an  equal  number  of  men 
and  women  which  has  meant  more  to  this  State  than  this 
history  now  given  to  the  public.  Everything  in  the  atmos- 
phere of  the  times  has  contributed  to  make  the  years  these 
lives  represent  laden  with  interest,  full  of  incentive,  prolific 
in  result.  These  years  have  been  wonderful  years  in  the 
world's  history,  but  most  wonderful  for  those  portions 
of  our  country  which  have  developed  like  magic  from 
nothingness  to  the  very  acme  of  civilization,  beautified  and 
enriched  with  the  treasures  of  music  and  art. 

In  presenting  this  book  to  the  public,  those  who  have 
been  deeply  interested  in  it  feel  they  should  say  in  justice 
to  themselves,  that  the  work  was  inaugurated  on  a  difficult 
plan  as  to  its  perfection  and  completeness.  But,  in  spite  of 
much  delay  and  many  discouragements,  it  has  been  the  aim 
of  the  publishers,  as  far  as  possible,  to  make  the  work 
complete. 

The  very  best  in  the  social  and  artistic  life  of  Il- 
linois has  found  a  place  in  these  pages.  It  has  been  a 
work  done  with  the  aim  of  giving  honor  to  whom  honor 
is  due,  and  no  favoritism  or  personal  preference  has 
left  its  imprint  anywhere.  The  pictures  have  been  very 
largely  taken  especially  for  this  book  by  one  of  Chicago's 
best  artists,  and  every  effort  has  been  made  to  do  justice  to 
the  face  as  to  the  character  of  those  who  have  so  kindly  con- 
tributed to  the  success  of  the  book  by  giving  the  necessary 
data.  If  it  should  seem  as  if  undue  prominence  has  been 
given  to  those  in  Chicago,  it  must  be  remembered  that 
Chicago  is  an  immense  center  to  which  many  flock  who 
desire  opportunity  to  win  success.  As  a  result,  many  of  our 
foremost  men  and  women  find  a  place  in  the  great  city.  It 
has  been  possibly  easier  to  impress  those  in  Chicago  with 
the  value  of  such  a  work. 

Scores  of  unanswered  letters,  others  returned  with  the 
offers  made  declined,  testify  to  the  fact  that  the  opportunity 


12  INTRODUCTION. 

did  not  present  itself  as  desirable  to  many  whose  names  and 
lives  would  have  been  gladly  added  to  those  procured.  Those 
whose  judgment  should  be  valuable  have  pronounced  the 
book  a  marvel  in  the  variety  and  scope  it  presents. 

The  book  as  now  given  to  the  public  is  much  larger  than 
the  original  design.  In  the  paper  employed,  the  type,  ar- 
rangement and  finish  every  volume  is  the  same,  the  binding 
alone  having  been  left  to  the  taste  of  the  individual  sub- 
scriber. 

There  have  been  books  of  similar  character  written  and 
published,  but  none  which  more  thoroughly  commends  itself 
to  the  artistic  eye  or  to  the  intelligence  of  the  general  reader. 

The  introduction  to  the  article  on  the  "  History  of  Art 
in  Illinois  "  was  written  by  Rev.  Austen  K.  de  Blois,  Ph.  D., 
until  recently  President  of  Shurtleff  College  in  Upper  Al- 
ton, Illinois.  As  ex-President  of  one  of  the  best  known  of 
the  colleges  of  Illinois,  as  pastor  of  one  of  the  oldest  and 
largest  churches  in  Chicago,  it  is  eminently  appropriate  that 
his  name  should  have  a  place  in  this  volume. 

The  poem  "Music,"  or  "  From  Sound  to  Soul,"  which 
serves  as  the  introduction  to  the  article  on  the  "  History 
of  Music  in  Illinois,"  was  written  by  George  Cathcart  Bron- 
son,  well  known  as  a  writer,  composer  and  most  earnest  pro- 
moter of  the  best  musical  enterprises  in  Illinois.  A  sketch 
of  his  life,  also  included  in  these  pages,  will  be  of  interest  to 
many. 

The  biographies,  with  very  few  exceptions,  and  histor- 
ical articles  have  been  written  by  Mrs.  Fannie  Cheney  Ben- 
nett, whose  writings  have  found  place  in  the  papers  under 
the  nom  de  plume  "  Pensec."  She  belongs  to  a  family  of 
scholars.  Her  father,  Rev.  D.  B.  Cheney,  D.  D.,  was  well 
known  in  the  seventies  as  Trustee  of  the  Chicago  University, 
interested  in  its  theological  seminary  and  pastor  of  the 
Fourth  Baptist  Church  of  Chicago. 

It  is,  therefore,  a  book  peculiarly  the  product  of  Illinois, 
and  is  given  to  the  public  with  the  hope  that,  whatever  its 
failures  may  seem  to  be,  its  merits  may  be  found  so  many  as 
to  win  oblivion  for  aught  else. 


INTRODUCTION.  13 

Our  widest  judgments  are  our  best.  The  sky  mirrors 
not  one  fleeting  cloud  but  its  vastness  on  the  bosom  of  the 
lake.  A  poem  finds  place  in  our  loving  memory  for  the 
beautiful  thought  which  inspired  it,  not  for  the  jingle  of 
some  rhyme  which  for  a  moment  riveted  the  attention.  A 
song,  a  symphony,  is  prized  for  the  whole  theme  which  gave 
it  birth,  not  discarded  for  one  crashing  chord  or  treasured 
for  some  dainty  trill. 

So  judged  in  its  completeness,  it  is  hoped  that  this  vol- 
ume may  seem  worthy  of  hearty  recognition  and  endorse- 
ment as  a  history  told  by  biographies  of  the  Music  and  Art 
of  Illinois. 


Adams,  Milward, 

345 

Davis,  Mrs.  Jessie  Bartlett, 

PAGE 
273 

Addenda  to  Introduction,    . 

657 

DeBlois,  Austen  K.,  Ph.D.,  LL.D., 

91 

Aldrich,  Charles  Henry,      . 

455 

Deere,  Mrs.  Charles  H.,      . 

135 

Allen,  Minnie  Stephens,      . 

173 

Dickinson,  Katharine  V.,    . 

501 

Armstrong,  Wm.  Dawson,  . 

531 

Drummond,  Mrs.  John  N., 

705 

Aronson,  Maurice,      . 

337 

Dudley,  Grace  Elliott, 

559 

Art  in  Illinois,  History  of, 

19 

Dunshee,  Edna  B.,     . 

361 

Art  Institute,  Chicago, 

23 

Emerson,  Adaline  Elizabeth  (Tal- 

Baird,  Frank  T., 

349 

cott,)     

103 

Baker,  Edward, 

535 

Emerson,  Ralph, 

99 

Balatka,  Christian,      . 

293 

Emery,  Mrs.  Luella  Clark, 

369 

Balatka,  Hans, 

289 

Barnaby,  John  B., 
Bartlett,  Mrs.  Eliza,  . 
Bartlett,  Leman, 
Bentley,  William  Frederick, 
Birch,  Mrs.  Hugh  Taylor,  . 
Bond,  Mrs.  Carrie  Jacobs, 
Bonfield,  Mrs.  Haswell  T., 
Bronson,  George  Cathcart, 
Browne,  Charles  FrancU, 
Br-ant,  Mrs.  Anna  Groif,  . 
Buckley,  Helen, 

539 
669 
667 
613 
143 
209 
547 
155 
477 
647 
327 

Faulkner,  Anne  Shaw, 
Field,  Mrs.  Marshall,  Jr.,   . 
Fort,  Mrs.  Greenberry  L.,  . 
Fountain  by  Pupils  of  Art  Institute, 
Francis,  Mrs.  John  Harrison, 
Francis.  Miss  Maude  Ingle, 
Freer,  Frederick  Warner,  A.N.  A., 
French,  W.  M.  R.,     . 
Fuller,  Jessica  Haskell,       . 
Funeral  Procession  by  Pupils  of 

315 

87 
151 
31 
463 
467 
489 
109 
147 

29 

Bush,  Carrie  Woods, 

323 

mi    T                ; 

091 

Butts,  Annice  E.  Bradford, 

237 

Gleason,  Frederick  Grant,  . 

277 

Godowsky,  Leopold,  . 

331 

Campbell,  Francis,      . 

543 

Gray,  John  Robert,    . 

353 

Capone,  Signor  Pasquale,   . 
Carpenter,  May  F.,    .         . 
Chappelle,  Maud, 

459 
623 
555 

Gray,  Mrs.  Mary  Emeline  Iliff,  . 
Groff-Bryant,  Mrs.  Anna,  . 

357 
647 

Cheney,  Mrs.  John  Vanco, 

253 

Christmas  Reminiscence,  A, 

339 

Hamlin.  George, 

311 

Clark,  Charles  W,     . 

297 

Harper,  William  Rainey,    . 

61 

Clarkson,  Ralph, 

485 

Harvey,  Cecil  Clara,  . 

187 

Conner,  Sara  K  , 

301 

Haynes,  Francis  J.,    . 

563 

Conzelman,  Mrs.  W.  J.,      . 

191 

Heinrich,  Max, 

373 

Conzelman,  William  J., 

195 

Heinze,  Victor, 

381 

Cooper,  James  Courtland,   . 

551 

Henke,  Frederic,        . 

567 

Cornell,  Katherine  Spear, 
Crawford,  Mabelle,      . 

651 
655 

History  of  Art  in  Illinois,  . 
History  of  Art,  Introduction  to,  . 

19 
17 

Crosby,  Mrs.  William  Spencer,    '. 

159 

History  of  Music  in  Illinois, 

37 

Croxton,  Frank, 

653 

Howard,  Katherine,   . 

571 

Curtiss,  Charles  Chauncey, 

131 

Huntoon,  Mary  Stephens,  . 

173 

D'Arnalle,  Vernon,    . 

365 

Introduction,      .... 

3 

Davis,  Mrs.  Estelle  B., 

643 

Introduction,  Addenda  to   . 

657 

14 

INDEX. 


15 


PAGE 

PAQK 

Jacobs-Bond,  Carrie, 

209 

Rosenfeld,  Morris,      . 

615 

Jones,  Walter  Howe, 

575 

Jordan,  Ada  Stephens, 

175 

Sammis,  Sybil,  .... 

451 

Schieb,  Eleanor  Wilhelmina  3Iarie, 

635 

Kramm,  3Iax,    .... 

389 

Schuster,  Katherine, 

597 

Kreider,  Phebe  Jefferson,  . 

579 

Scott,  3Irs.  Clara  H., 

225 

Seeboeck,  W.  C.  E.,  . 

233 

Lamb,  Artemus, 
Lamb,  Chancy, 
Lamb,  3Irs.  Chancy,  . 

673 
677 
679 

Sewall,  Mrs.  May  Wright, 
Sharpe,  3Irs.  Annie  31cFarland,  . 
Sherwood,  William  H.,        . 

661 
427 
229 

Lamb,  Lafayette, 
Lamb,  3Irs.  Lafayette, 
Laurence,  Frederick  Locke, 

683 
687 
583 

Slayton,  Henry  Lake, 
Smythe,  Nellie  Hobbs,        . 
Spann,  Thomas  H.,    . 

505 
639 

707 

Lee,  31.  Inez,     .... 
Leffingwell,  Charles  Wesley,  D.D., 
Lehman,  Louis, 

493 

183 
631 

Spiering.  Theodore,    . 
Sprague.  3Irs.  A.  A., 
Springer,  3Irs.  Warren, 

447 
95 
113 

Lieblins*,  Emil, 
Linck,  Mary  Elizabeth,       . 
Linne,  Madame  Ragna, 
Lippincott,  Nellie  Stephens, 
Longman,  3Irs.  Marie  White,      . 
Lundborg,  Rudolph,  . 
Lyceum  Bureau,  The, 

265 

377 
431 
176 
385 
497 
585 

Stacey,  3Irs.  Anna  L., 
Stacey,  John  Franklin, 
Stead,  Franklin  L.,     . 
Stephens,  Charles  Randall, 
Stephens  Family,  The  George,    . 
Stephens,  George, 
Stephens,  George  Arthur,  . 

515 

511 
601 
175 
171 
165 
171 

3Iagnus,  Mrs.  Florence  R., 
3Iarden  School  of  Music  and  Elo- 

627 

Stephens,  3Irs.  George, 
Stevens,  31ary  Florence, 
Stone,  3Irs.  H.  0  

169 
319 
127 

cution,  ..... 
3Iarrott,  George  J.,    . 

303 
691 

Stubbs,  Hon.  Daniel  P.,      . 

699 

Mathews,  W.  S.  B.,  . 

269 

Taft,  Lorado, 

471 

3IcKay,  3Irs.  James  R.,      . 
Mersfelder,  Jules  R., 
Mersfelder,  Mrs.  Jules  R., 
Middleschulte,  Wilhelm,     . 

119 
519 
523 
405 

Tanner,  3Iary  Brown, 
Tewksbury,  Lucile  Stevenson, 
The  Lyceum  Bureau, 

605 
409 
585 
199 

31iller,  31rs.  Lillian  Morgan,    .    . 

589 

omas,       eo  oie,     . 

3Ioyer,  31  me.  Francesca  Guthrie, 

393 

Vernon,  William, 

475 

Music  in  Illinois,  History  of, 

37 

Vilim,  Joseph,   .         .         .         . 

413 

Orebaugh,  3Irs.  Lillian  Wiley,     . 

593 

Von  Eisner,  3Iarie,    . 

261 

Walter,  Robert, 

609 

Palmer,  Mrs.  Potter, 

67 

Warner,  Harriet  Lydia,      . 

527 

Parker.  Edward  Jarvis, 

139 

Watson,  J.  S.,  31.  D., 

245 

Patten,  Cora  Mel, 

307 

Watson,  3Irs.  J.  S.,    . 

249 

Peck,  Ferdinand  W., 
Phelps,  Luman  A.,     . 
Pullman,  Geonre  Mortimer, 

123 
397 

77 

Wesener,  31rs.  Delilah  Patty,      . 
What  Becomes  of  the  3Iany  Stu- 
dents of  Singing  ?  . 

417 
419 

Pullman,  3Irs.  George  31.,  . 

83 

Whitman,  Dr.  Frank  S..     . 

241 

Radle,  Gertrude  M.,  . 

443 

Why  3Iany  Singers  Fail,    . 

419 

Read,  3Irs.  Lillian  French, 

439 

Wilson,  Genevieve  Clark,    . 

205 

Wolfsohn,  Carl, 

281 

Reade,  Christia  M  

481 

Resume  of  3Irs.  Potter  Palmer's 

Yates,  Mrs.  Richard  P,      .         : 

619 

Report  to  Congress, 

71 

Young,  Bicknell, 

423 

Robertson,  3Irs.  A.  M., 

695 

Rogers,  Henry  Wade, 

179 

Zeisler,  3Iad.  Fannie  Bloomfield, 

285 

Root,  Frederick  W.,  . 

435 

Ziehn,  Bernard, 

257 

Root,  Dr.  George  F., 

215 

Zimmerman,  3Ime.  Oliato,  . 

401 

ftjstorg  at  &rt  to  JHlinms, 


INTRODUCTION. 

Art  in  America  lias  f  ought  a  long  battle  with  two  strong 
foes,  the  Puritan  and  the  money-maker.  The  New  England 
fathers  had  but  little  conception  of  the  glories  of  art.  If  our 
country  had  been  peopled  at  first  by  children  of  the  European 
southland,  we  would  doubtless  have  for  our  dowry  to-day  a 
fairer  heritage  of  aesthetic  culture. 

The  ancient  rock-ribbed  orthodoxy  tended  to  repress  the 
joyousness  and  freedom  which  the  genius  of  art  exalts,  yet  re- 
ligion needs  art  as  much  as  art  needs  religion.  A  religion  that 
strips  the  ivy  from  the  stones  of  the  old  cathedral,  drives  the 
song-birds  from  spire  and  turret,  stills  the  chimes  in  the  tower 
and  the  music  of  choir  and  organ  within  the  holy  place,  tears 
the  paintings  of  the  masters  from  the  walls  and  robs  the  struc- 
ture of  every  grace  which  the  skill  of  the  architect  has  devised, 
is  a  religion  that  has  strength  without  tenderness  and  great- 
ness without  joy.  The  Puritan  spirit  is  iconoclastic,  the  aes- 
thetic spirit  is  illuminative. 

During  the  last  half  century  the  mammon-serving  drift  of 
things  has  been  even  more  powerful  than  the  anathemas  of  a 

narrow  pietism.     Many  rich  men  are  patrons  of  art,  but  the 

17 


18  INTRODUCTION. 

real  genius  of  art  and  the  commercial  instinct  belong  to  circles 
of  life  essentially  and  forever  distinct.  We  have  been  so  busy 
throwing  our  monstrous  office  buildings  into  midair,  trans- 
forming our  marshlands  into  cities,  and  our  cities  into  for- 
ests of  stone  and  deserts  of  asphalt,  darkening  the  sun  with 
factory  smoke,  and  training  our  fevered  pulse  to  beat  its  re- 
sponses only  to  the  heart  throbs  of  our  giant  engines,  that 
we  have  found  neither  leisure  nor  wish  to  cultivate  the  true, 
the  beautiful  and  the  sublime. 

The  new  time  has  already  seen  abundant  tokens  of  a  wide- 
spread awakening.  Theology  and  science  and  materialism 
have  filled  men's  lives  and  shorn  them  of  their  beauty.  The 
age  of  culture  in  our  land  will  witness  a  profound  revival  of 
interest  in  the  deeper  and  richer  qualities  of  life.  That  re- 
vival will  be  esthetic,  ethical,  spiritual. 

AUSTEN  K.  DE  BLOIS,  PH.  D.,  LL.  D. 


of 


The  progress  of  art  in  a  community  may  be  considered,  to  a  certain  ex- 
tent, the  gauge  of  its  prosperity,  for  its  growth  is  absolutely  dependent  upon, 
wealth  and  culture. 

Some  one  has  said  that  the  golden  age  of  painting  lies  in  the  Christian 
centuries,  yet  the  history  of  painting  is  linked  with  that  of  the  pyramids. 
The  history  of  art  is  one  of  the  most  fascinating  ever  written.  The  changes 
in  ideals  with  the  years,  the  many  varied  conceptions  of  colors  and  their  uses, 
the  different  standards  which  have  prevailed,  are  indisputable  testimony  as  to 
the  times  and  peoples  they  represent. 

In  the  scope  of  this  article,  it  is  impossible  to  speak  of  art,  its  history  and 
growth,  in  any  other  phase  than  that  indicated  by  the  title  "  The  History  of 
Art  in  Illinois."  Of  necessity,  the  history  of  art  in  Chicago  is  practically  the 
history  of  art  in  Illinois,  for  the  State  is  not  yet  old  enough  to  have  gath- 
ered sufficient  resources  to  admit  of  the  establishing  throughout  the  State  of 
schools  of  art  which  would  be  worthy  the  name.  Rather,  art  students  from 
the  various  cities  and  towns  avail  themselves  of  the  advantages  offered  in  Chi- 
cago, and  make  them  their  own.  In  Springfield,  the  capital  of  the  State,  there 
is  in  the  State  building  quite  a  collection  of  paintings,  many  portraits  of  Gov- 
ernors, and  other  distinguished  men,  which  is  probably  the  largest  collection 
in  the  State  outside  of  Chicago.  In  private  homes,  however,  in  cities  and 
towns,  may  be  found  pictures  of  value  from  the  hands  of  the  best  artists  at 
home  and  abroad,  and  the  same,  in  a  less  degree,  is  true  of  the  statues  which 
adorn  man}'  a  home — beautiful  souvenirs,  perhaps,  of  some  delightful  trip  to 
other  lands.  The  progress  of  art  in  Chicago  has  been  such  as  to  arrest  atten- 
tion, and  many  articles  have  appeared  at  different  times  giving,  to  some  ex- 
tent, a  review  of  its  history.  The  writer  has  taken  the  liberty  of  quoting  from 
Blanchard's  History  of  Chicago,  from  various  reports,  from  facts  given  by  the 
Secretary  of  the  Chicago  Art  Institute,  Mr.  N.  H.  Carpenter,  and  from  a  most 

19 


20  THE  HISTORY  OF  ART  IN  ILLINOIS. 

interesting  article  from  the  pen  of  Mr.  Will  H.  Low,  himself  a  representative 
American  artist,  which  recently  appeared  in  The  World  To-Day. 

It  is  a  remarkable  fact,  in  spite  of  the  idea  that  has  prevailed  and  still 
prevails  to  some  extent,  that  culture  has  its  home  in  more  Eastern  cities,  that 
a  school  of  art  practice,  including  work  from  the  human  figure,  was  estab- 
lished in  Chicago  in  1866,  which  was  earlier  than  in  any  other  city  in  the  coun- 
try, with  two  exceptions,  New  York  and  Philadelphia.  This  nucleus  was  or- 
ganized into  the  Chicago  Academy  of  Design,  March  10,  1869,  and,  although 
the  name  has  been  changed  to  the  Chicago  Art  Institute,  and  it  has  had 
different  homes,  it  may  be  truthfully  said  that  since  that  time  the  cause  of  art 
has  steadily  progressed  in  Chicago.  Almost  all  such  institutions  embody  in 
their  history  times  of  great  discouragement  and  times  of  unexpected  pros- 
perity. There  have  been  times  of  perplexity,  perhaps,  times  when  the  outlook 
was  not  altogether  bright,  still,  as  a  whole,  the  history  of  this  institution  has 
been  exceptional  in  its  upward  and  onward  progress  year  after  year.  One 
reason  may,  no  doubt,  be  found  in  the  fact  that  from  the  beginning  the  in- 
stitution has  been  practically  under  the  same  regime ;  Mr.  Newton  H.  Carpen- 
ter, the  present  Secretary,  having  been  connected  with  the  organization,  in  its 
various  phases,  from  the  beginning,  and  of  Mr.  W.  M.  K.  French,  the  present 
Director,  the  same  can  be  said.  Their  interest  in  its  growth  and  prosperity 
has  been  such  as  could  not  have  been  possible  with  those  whose  identification 
with  the  work  was  temporary,  and  to  them  the  city  of  Chicago  and  the  cause 
of  art  in  the  Middle-West  owe  much. 

After  the  fire,  there  was  a  lull  in  the  work  done  by  the  Academy  of  De- 
sign for  a  few  years,  and,  in  1878,  after  the  raising  of  what  was  supposed  to 
be  its  entire  indebtedness,  by  the  artists,  a  board  of  trustees  was  added  to 
the  artist  membership,  composed  of  business  men.  This  experiment  was  not 
altogether  a  success,  owing  chiefly  to  the  discovery  of  still  further  indebtedness, 
and,  at  the  expiration  of  a  year,  the  business  trustees  resigned.  May  24,  1879, 
upon  the  application  of  Marshall  Field,  Murray  Nelson,  Charles  D.  Hamill, 
Ferd  W.  Peck  and  George  E.  Adams,  the  Art  Institute  was  incorporated  for 
"  the  founding  and  maintenance  of  schools  of  art  and  design,  the  formation 
and  exhibition  of  collections  of  objects  of  art,  and  the  cultivation  and  extension 
of  the  arts  of  design  by  any  appropriate  means."  Its  first  President  was 
George  Armour,  and,  after  one  year's  service,  he  was  succeeded  by  L.  Z.  Leiter, 
who  held  the  position  two  years.  The  first  board  of  trustees  consisted  of 
George  Armour,  S.  M.  Nickerson,  Ezra  B.  McCogg,  Levi  Z.  Leiter,  Wm.  T. 
Baker,  N.  K.  Fairbank,  James  H.  Dole,  Albert  Haydn,  D.  W.  Irwin,  E.  S. 


THE  HISTORY  OF  ART  IN  ILLINOIS.  21 

Pike,  W.  M.  B.  French,  G.  L.  Dunlap,  B.  W.  Blatchford,  Mark  Skinner,  Wil- 
liam A.  Bradley,  J.  W.  Doan,  George  E.  Adams,  Homer  N.  Hibbard,  George  G. 
Shortall  and  Charles  L.  Hutchinson. 

Of  these,  Charles  L.  Hutchinson,  S.  M.  Nickerson,  James  H.  Dole,  Wil- 
liam T.  Baker  and  N.  K.  Fairbank  had  been  trustees  through  the  whole  his- 
tory of  the  institution  till  within  a  short  time,  when  the  three  last  named 
have  been  removed  by  death,  a  loss  deeply  felt. 

The  Institute  had  its  first  home  at  the  corner  of  Monroe  and  State  Sts. 
from  1879  to  1881  A  building  was  then  erected  at  10  Van  Buren  St.,  where 
they  remained  from  1881  to  1887.  This  building  was  54x70  feet,  a  sub- 
stantial brick  building,  containing  exhibition  galleries  and  school-room;  but 
the  growth  of  the  organization  made  larger  quarters  necessary,  and  a  beautiful 
brownstone  building  was  erected  on  the  front  of  the  same  lot,  facing  Michigan 
Ave.,  80x100  feet,  four  stories  high,  Eomanesque  in  design,  which  was  opened 
during  November  1887,  and  occupied  by  the  Institute  till  1893.  The  Insti- 
tute, which  had  gained  very  much  in  the  favor  of  the  community,  had  be- 
come the  possessor  of  valuable  collections  of  casts  of  sculpture,  pictures,  metals, 
vases,  etc.,  and  it  soon  became  apparent  that  larger  quarters  would  have  to 
be  obtained 

"  By  a  city  ordinance,  passed  March,  1891,  permission  was  given  for  the 
erection  of  a  building  upon  the  lake  front,  opposite  Adams  St.,  to  be  used  for 
the  World's  Congresses  during  the  Columbian  Exposition,  and  afterwards  to 
be  permanently  occupied  by  the  Art  Institute,  the  building  to  be  the  property 
of  the  city  of  Chicago."  Between  February,  1892,  and  May,  1893,  the  pres- 
ent museum  building  was  erected,  after  the  plans  of  Sheplev,  Reetan  &  Cool- 
idge,  architects.  The  building  which  had  been  occupied  by  the  Institute  was 
sold,  in  1892,  for  $425,000,  to  the  Chicago  Club,  which  still  owns  and  uses  it, 
and  the  Art  Institute  came  into  possession  of  their  present  permanent  home, 
November  1, 1893.  The  Art  Institute  thus,  in  effect,  made  a  gift  to  the  people 
of  the  city  of  the  money  expended  by  it  upon  the  building — about  $450,000 — 
and  gained  a  public  character  very  advantageous  for  the  public  service,  at  which 
it  aims.  An  injunction,  issued  May  31,  1892,  restraining  the  city  from  erect- 
ing a  building  upon  the  Lake  Front  Park,  was  dissolved  upon  a  rehearing,  June 
23d.  By  this  decision  the  Art  Institute  became  firmly  established  in  its 
rights  upon  the  lake  front.  When  the  Columbian  Exposition  made  an  appro- 
priation of  $200,000  for  the  building,  they  imposed  several  conditions,  which 
were  as  follows:  That  at  least  $500,000  should  be  expended  upon  the  building; 
that  the  building  should  be  controlled  by  the  Exposition  for  the  World's  Con- 


22  THE  HISTORY  OF  ART  IN  ILLINOIS. 

grosses  from  May  1  to  Nov.  1, 1893 ;  and  that  it  should  contain  rooms  and  con- 
veniences suitable  for  the  meetings  of  the  World's  Congresses.  The  cost  of 
the  building  at  the  present  time  has  been  about  $785,000.  It  is  of  Bedford 
limestone,  absolutely  fireproof,  in  style  Italian  Renaissance,  the  details  classic 
and  of  Ionic  and  Corinthian  orders.  The  front  is  80  feet  back  from  Michigan 
Ave.,  and  the  building  is  320  feet  long,  the  wings  170  feet  deep,  with  projec- 
tions which  make  the  whole  depth  208  feet.  The  rear  and  center  are  not 
yet  built.  It  was  planned  with  the  greatest  care,  not  only  for  its  service  as 
a  school  of  art  but  as  a  place  for  art  exhibitions:  It  is  not  too  much  to  say 
of  it  that  in  regard  to  light,  simplicity  of  arrangement  and  intelligent,  con- 
venient classification,  this  Institute  has  no  superior  anywhere.  The  owner- 
ship of  this  building  is  vested  in  the  city  of  Chicago,  but  the  right  of  use  and 
occupancy  is  vested  in  the  Art  Institute  so  long  as  it  shall  fulfil  the  purposes 
for  which  it  was  organized ;  "  shall  open  the  museum  free  to  the  public  Wednes- 
days, Saturdays,  Sundays  and  public  holidays;  shall  make  the  Mayor  and 
Comptroller  of  the  city  ex-officio  members  of  the  Board,  and  conform  to  some 
other  simple  conditions."  By  these  provisions  the  influence  of  the  Institute 
as  an  educator  is  widened  to  a  degree  which  cannot  be  estimated. 

Thousands  of  people,  who  could  hardly  afford  to  pay  the  entrance  fee,  thus 
have  the  opportunity  to  see  the  fine  collections  of  pictures  and  statues,  and  even 
the  school  children  become  familiar  with  the  names  of  great  artists  and  their 
works.  The  value  of  such  opportunity  may  possibly  be  appreciated  when  it  is 
known  that  from  ten  to  fifteen  times  every  year  the  permanent  collection  is  re- 
inforced by  loan  collections  of  rarest  worth.  During  the  past  six  years  the 
additions  to  the  many  departments  have  been  both  numerous  and  valuable,  so 
that,  as  an  Art  Museum,  the  Art  Institute  of  Chicago  ranks  among  the  first 
three  or  four  in  the  country.  The  Institute  has  received  much  in  the  way  of 
donations.  Mrs.  Henry  Field,  whose  husband  was  formerly  a  trustee  of  the 
institution,  has  committed  permanently  to  its  keeping  the  entire  collection  of 
paintings  which  belonged  to  him.  This  collection  comprises  forty-one  pic- 
tures, representing  principally  the  Barbizon  school  of  painters,  including  Mil- 
let's familiar  "  Bringing  Home  the  New-Born  Calf,"  Jules  Breton's  "  Song 
of  the  Lark,"  Troyon's  "  Returning  from  the  Market,"  and  specimens  of  Rous- 
seau, Corot,  Cozin,  Constable  and  Daubigny.  This  collection  has  its  place  in 
a  separate  room,  known  as  the  "  Henry  Field  Memorial  Room,"  and  is  held 
in  trust  by  five  trustees  appointed  by  Mrs.  Field.  Mrs.  Field  also  empowered 
the  trustees  of  the  Institute  to  order  from  Mr.  Edward  Kenrys,  the  sculptor 
of  animals,  two  monumental  bronze  lions,  to  stand  upon  the  flanks  of  the 


24  THE  HISTORY  OF  ART  IN  ILL1KOIS. 

imposing  external  approach  to  the  museum.  The  order  was  most  artistically 
executed,  and  the  lions  were  unveiled,  May  10,  1894. 

In  1890,  the  disposal  of  the  best  works  of  the  famous  Demidoff  collection 
of  works  of  old  masters,  which  had  not  been  included  in  a  sale  of  a  larger  part 
of  the  collection  in  1880,  gave  an  opportunity  by  which  the  Art  Institute  se- 
cured thirteen  pictures  by  old  masters,  chiefly  of  the  Dutch  school,  some  of 
them  fine  examples  of  the  masters  by  whom  they  were  painted.  The  acquisi- 
tion of  these  pictures  marked  an  epoch  in  the  growth  of  art  in  Chicago.  Among 
them  are  five  examples  of  portraiture  which  are  representative  of  Eembrandt, 
Rubens,  Van  Dvck,  Frans  Hals  and  Holbein ;  "  The  Guitar  Lesson,"  by  Ter- 
burg;  "A  Family  Concert,"  by  Jan  Steen;  a  landscape,  by  Hobenna,  which 
may  be  accounted  among  his  masterpieces ;  "  The  Jubilee,"  by  Van  Ostade, 
and  fine  examples  of  the  work  of  Teniers,  Ruysdael  and  Adrian  Van  de  Velde. 
By  purchase  or  gift,  the  museum  has  been  constantly  accumulating  rare  and 
valuable  paintings.  Among  the  American  painters  represented  are  Chase, 
Hitchcock,  Alex.  Harrison,  McEwen,  Dannat,  Inness,  Vedder,  Pearce  and 
Davis.  In  1898,  a  fine  collection  of  about  sixty  paintings,  which  had  for  some 
time  been  exhibited  in  the  galleries,  was  bequeathed  to  the  Institute  by  Albert 
A.  Munger,  a  life-long  citizen  of  Chicago. 

Among  works  of  the  highest  merit,  this  collection  contains  Meissonier's 
"  Vidette;"  "  The  Bathers,"  by  Bouguereau ;  "Just  Before  Sunrise,"  by  Corot; 
de  Neuville's  "A  Piece  in  Danger ;"  Detaille's  "  Reconnoissance ;"  Jacquet's 
"  Queen  of  the  Camp ;"  "  Springtime  and  Love,"  by  Michetti,  and  Mun- 
kascsy's  "  The  Challenge."  Gerome,  Rosa  Bonheur,  Von  Marcke,  Fromentin, 
Vibert,  Roybet,  Charlemont,  Zimmerman,  Achenbach,  Jacque,  Schreyer,Troyon, 
Courbet,  Isabay,  Makart,  and  many  other  leaders  of  the  modern  world  of  art 
are  represented. 

The  collection  of  reproductions  of  sculpture  is  very  large  and  repre- 
sentative. A  great  proportion  of  it  is  the  gift  of  Mrs.  A.  M.  H.  Ellis,  who 
has  given  it  the  name  of  her  former  husband,  and  it  is  known  as  "  The  El- 
dridge  G.  Hall "  collection.  It  includes  only  fac-simile  copies  of  original 
works  of  sculpture,  in  accordance  with  the  expressed  wishes  of  the  donor.  It 
includes  not  only  classical  but  Renaissance  and  modern  sculpture,  and  the  con- 
temporary collection  is  the  most  valuable  in  America.  Among  modern  sculp- 
tors represented  are  Dubois,  Mercie,  Barrias,  Cain,  Chapu,  Falguiere,  Rodin, 
Fremier,  Thornycroft,  St.  Gaudens,  Bartlett,  French,  Potter,  etc.  The  French 
Government  sent  to  the  Columbian  Exposition,  as  a  part  of  the  national  ex- 
hibit, an  extensive  historical  collection  of  architectural  casts,  reproduced  from 


THE  HISTORY  OF  ART  IN  ILLINOIS.  25 

collections  in  Paris,  destined  to  become,  at  the  end  of  the  Fair,  a  part  of 
the  permanent  collection  of  the  Art  Institute.  This  remarkable  collection, 
which  is  unsurpassed  in  its  kind,  either  in  quality  or  extent,  is  now  installed, 
as  far  as  the  room  permits,  in  the  galleries  of  the  Art  Institute,  but  a  con- 
siderable part  of  it  is  stored,  for  lack  of  suitable  room  in  which  to  place  it.  An- 
other element  in  the  sculpture  collection  is  the  gallery  of  reproductions  of  the 
antique  bronzes  of  the  Naples  Museum,  one  hundred  and  nine  of  the  most 
famous  statues,  busts.,  tripods,  statuettes,  lamps,  and  other  objects  found  at 
Herculaneum  and  Pompeii.  This  collection  was  the  gift  of  H.  N.  Higin- 
botham.  They  were  purchased  through  the  fine  art  department  of  the  Colum- 
bian Exposition,  and  are  certified  by  the  Director  of  the  Naples  Museum  to  be 
perfect  reproductions. 

Another  department  which  has  already  attained  importance  is  that  of  the 
original  Egyptian  antiquities.  Through  the  interest  of  Mr.  Getty,  Mr.  Ryer- 
son  and  Mr.  Hutchinson,  accessions  have  been  made  of  typical  Egyptian  ob- 
jects of  great  rarity  and  value,  sufficient  to  form  a  collection  respectable  in 
quantity  and  more  than  respectable  in  quality.  There  is  also  a  very  carefully 
collected  and  adequately  representative  collection  of  classical  antiquities/Greek 
vases,  figurines,  lamps  and  fragments,  and  marble  Roman  remains,  both  sculp- 
tural and  architectural.  Other  fields  of  art  are  represented  by  collections  of 
embroideries,  tapestries,  painted  fans,  textiles,  etc — presented  by  the  society  of 
ladies  called  "Antiquarians  of  the  Art  Institute  " — and  of  musical  instruments, 
armor,  etc. 

In  the  summer  of  1900,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  S.  M.  Nickerson  presented  to  the 
museum  of  the  Art  Institute  their  superb  private  collection  of  jades,  crystals, 
paintings  and  curios,  and  fitted  up  two  galleries  for  the  permanent  installa- 
tion of  the  collection. 

On  October  26, 1891,  the  Ryerson  library  was  opened  by  a  reception  to  the 
members.  This  building,  erected  through  the  generosity  of  Martin  A.  Ryerson, 
is  most  beautiful  and  commodious,  is  open  at  all  times  to  both  members  and 
students,  and  is  really  a  free  public  library  on  Wednesdays  and  Saturdays,  the 
free  days  of  the  museum.  The  reading-room  is  a  model  of  convenience  and 
comfort,  supplied  with  all  the  leading  art  periodicals  of  the  world,  and  with 
alcoves  and  shelves  for  many  books.  The  accumulating  of  books  must,  of 
necessity,  be  the  work  of  time.  That  the  three  thousand  books  already  placed 
are  appreciated  by  the  students  is  evidenced  by  the  fact  that  during  the  year 
26,509  students  have  made  use  of  the  library,  while  the  total  number  of  visitors 
(46,769)  is  said  to  be  as  large  as  at  the  South  Kensington  Museum  Library,  in 


26  THE  HISTORY  OF  ART  IN  ILLINOIS. 

London,  which  contains  two  hundred  thousand  volumes.  The  present  library 
has  been  selected  with  greatest  care,  is  strictly  confined  to  the  best  art,  and 
includes  many  valuable  works.  In  it  is  kept  the  great  collection  of  large 
carbon  photographs,  known  as  the  Braun  autotypes,  16,000  in  number,  includ- 
ing reproductions  of  the  paintings,  drawings  and  sculpture  of  most  of  the 
well-known  galleries  in  Euorpe.  These  are  the  gift  of  Dr.  D.  K.  Pearsons. 

During  1897,  a  lecture-room  was  built,  in  accordance  with  the  original 
plans  of  the  building,  and  presented  to  the  Institute  by  Charles  W.  Fullerton 
as  a  memorial  to  his  father,  Alexander  N.  Fullerton.  This  room  seats  five 
hundred  persons,  and  is  a  model  lecture-room,  as  regards  comfort  in  seating, 
ventilation,  acoustic  properties  and  tasteful  adornment.  Lectures  upon  sub- 
jects pertaining  to  art  are  given  three  or  four  times  a  week  throughout  the 
class  year,  usually  in  this  hall,  although  many  lectures  of  a  more  special  char- 
acter are  given  by  various  instructors  in  the  class-rooms.  All  lectures  are 
given  late  in  the  day  in  order  that  the  student  may  have  ample  time  and  day- 
light for  his  technical  study,  and  as  they  embrace  a  wide  variety  of  topics  in 
their  relation  to  art,  they  afford  a  means  of  culture  very  valuable  as  an  ad- 
junct to  technical  art  instruction.  The  various  courses  of  lectures  have  gained 
within  a  year  added  value  by  the  establishment  of  the  Scammon  course,  the  re- 
sult of  the  Martha  Sheldon  Scammon  endowment  of  about  $36,000,  which  pro- 
vides a  fund  for  lectures  upon  the  history,  theory  and  practice  of  the  fine 
arts,  to  be  given  "  by  persons  of  distinction  or  authority  on  the  subject  of  which 
they  lecture."  This  series  was  inaugurated,  May,  1903,  by  a  course  of  six 
lectures,  by  John  La  Farge,  upon  "  The  So-called  Barbizon  Painters."  These 
series  of  lectures,  together  with  the  special  lectures,  are  of  incalculable  value 
to  all  of  the  students,  but  particularly  to  those  who  have  not  had  the  advantages 
of  a  general  education. 

An  error  too  often  made  in  modern  art-teaching  is  the  absence  of  mental 
training.  The  technical  equipment  of  a  pupil  is  so  difficult  of  attainment  and 
so  absorbing  that  often  the  student,  without  other  special  education,  finds  him- 
self unable  to  explain  to  others  what  he  knows  so  well.  That  those  in  charge 
of  the  Chicago  Art  Institute  realize  this  danger  is  indicated  by  the  follow- 
ing extract  from  the  report  of  its  Director — "  It  has  been  for  many  years  our 
aim  to  surround  our  students  with  such  influences  that  a  young  person  who 
studies  in  our  school  three,  four  or  five  years  should  come  out  with  something 
corresponding  in  some  degree  to  a  general  education." 

As  the  Institute  has  advanced,  new  departments  have  been  added  to  the 
courses  in  painting  and  sculpture  which  were  first  established.  There  are  now 


THE  HISTORY  OF  ART  IN  ILLINOIS.  27 

classes  in  decorative  designing,  architecture,  normal  and  illustrative,  while 
lately  instruction  has  been  given  to  more  than  one  hundred  pupils  in  the  ap- 
plied arts — pottery,  china  painting  and  metal  work.  This  indicates  the  re- 
markably comprehensive  character  of  art  instruction  given,  no  one  art  school 
in  the  country  being  the  equal  of  the  Art  Institute  in  that  particular.  The 
class  in  decorative  designing,  under  Louis  P  Millet,  is  especially  remarkable. 
Mr.  Millet  is  a  pupil  of  Galland  and  the  ficole  des  Beaux-Arts,  is  a  practical 
decorator,  to  whom  many  public  and  private  buildings  in  the  West  owe  their 
interior  decorations,  and  who  is  now  filling  the  position  of  Director  of  Mure  1 
Painting  and  Decoration  for  the  Louisiana  Purchase  Exposition,  at  St.  Louis. 
Mr.  Millet's  success  as  a  teacher  has  been  such  that  many  of  his  pupils  are  able, 
at  the  conclusion  of  their  course  with  him,  to  begin  work  for  which  the  demand 
of  the  age  is  most  insistent,  both  from  an  artistic  and  commercial  point  of 
view. 

Illustration  also  attracts  many  students — not  only  those  whose  intention 
is  limited  to  the  production  of  work  in  monochrome  for  illustrative  purposes, 
but  many  other  pupils,  realizing  that  the  struggle  before  them  to  obtain  recog- 
nition as  artists  will  probably  be  long  and  hard,  give  a  portion  of  their  time 
to  this  work,  which  may  prove  the  most  available  means  within  their  grasp  to 
provide  for  their  maintenance  during  the  years  of  working  and  hoping.  This 
class  has  been,  for  some  years,  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  Frederick  Kichard- 
son,  an  artist  of  wide  reputation  as  an  illustrator,  who  has,  in  a  remarkable 
degree,  the  faculty  of  arousing  enthusiasm  in  his  pupils.  This  class  emphasizes 
the  practical,  as  well  as  the  artistic,  endeavor  of  the  Art  Institute,  for,  of  the 
graphic  arts,  illustration  affords  by  far  the  largest  opportunities  to  the  student 
at  the  beginning  of  his  career  as  an  artist. 

The  pupils  of  this  Institute  come  from  every  part  of  the  West — from  Min- 
nesota, Wisconsin,  Nebraska,  Montana,  North  and  South  Dakota  and  from 
the  Pacific  coast.  They  number  about  twenty-six  hundred,  with  a  corps  of 
eighty  teachers,  almost  entirely  city  artists.  Among  them  may  be  named 
John  H.  Vanderpoel,  F.  W.  Freer,  Chas.  F.  Browne,  Miss  C.  D.  Wade,  Lorado 
Taft,  Ealph  Clarkson,  Louis  W.  Wilson,  Frank  Phoenix,  and  many  other 
earnest,  well-known  artists.  Mr.  Vanderpoel,  who  is  the  instructor  of  drawing 
and  painting  in  the  life  and  antique  classes,  has  been  connected  with  the  Art 
Institute  many  years.  His  lectures  are  among  the  most  valued  aids  in  the 
institution,  and  to  his  clear  explanation  of  the  structure  of  the  human  body, 
illustrated  by  bold  and  clearly-defined  sketches  in  charcoal,  which  he  executes 
as  he  talks  and  which  are  wonderfully  helpful,  are  due  much  of  the  ef- 


28  THE  HISTORY  OF  ART  IN  ILLINOIS. 

ficiency  of  his  classes.  The  school  work,  so  far  as  the  technical  practice  is 
concerned,  is  done  on  the  ground  floor  of  this  great  building,  in  rooms  well 
lighted,  heated  and  ventilated.  Already  the  growth  of  the  school  is  demand- 
ing more  space,  a  necessity  which  will  have  to  be  met  in  the  early  future.  In 
every  one  of  these  class-rooms,  to  which  the  public  does  not  have  access,  most 
interesting  work  is  being  accomplished  every  day  in  the  year.  Possibly  even 
those  who  are  most  familiar  with  opportunities  offered  by  the  Art  Institute 
have  really  little  conception  of  the  magnitude  of  the  work  done  by  these  many 
pupils,  the  excellence  of  the  standards  attained  and  the  reputation  already  hon- 
estly earned  by  many  of  the  students.  Some  classes  of  work  have  already  re- 
ceived mention,  but  the  sculpture  class  really  merits  special  notice.  In  this 
class,  under  the  scholarly  direction  of  Mr.  Lorado  Taft,  not  only  the  usual 
routine  of  study  from  the  living  model  is  practiced  of  modeling  busts  and  full- 
length  figures,  but  work  of  much  more  ambitious  scope  is  essayed  by  advanced 
pupils,  and  groups  of  monumental  or  decorative  design  have  been  done.  Their 
method  of  work  is  most  interesting.  First,  a  sketch  of  the  general  compo- 
sition is  made,  and  these  are  modeled  as  separate  figures  on  a  small  scale,  care- 
fully studied  from  life,  then  enlarged  to  the  required  size,  and  finally  fitted 
together  to  complete  the  composition.  One  of  these  groups,  a  fountain,  was 
temporarily  placed  for  exhibition  in  the  park  south  of  the  building  of  the 
Art  Institute,  and  attracted  much  attention. 

When  it  is  remembered  that  it  was  done  by  pupils  not  yet  out  of  school, 
it  was  certainly  most  creditable.  Two  other  groups — a  fountain  of  the  great 
lakes  and  a  funeral  procession — furnished  experience  such  as  is  usually  only 
possible  to  post-graduate  practice,  and,  as  it  is  conducted  under  the  constant 
supervision  of  a  sculptor  of  Mr.  Taft's  reputation,  the  advantage  to  the  pupils 
can  hardly  be  overestimated. 

By  the  courtesy  of  Mr.  N.  H.  Carpenter,  Secretary  of  the  Art  Institute, 
photographs  of  the  Institute  and  these  groups  are  enclosed  in  this  article.  It 
would  hardly  be  possible,  in  the  scope  of  this  history,  to  even  hint  at  the 
various  kinds  of  work  done  in  the  many  classes  of  the  Art  Institute  or  the  suc- 
cess achieved  by  its  pupils. 

A  frieze,  painted  by  one  of  the  pupils  of  the  Institute,  has  been  placed 
in  one  of  the  public  schools  of  the  city;  the  illuminated  texts,  stained  glass  and 
metal  work  of  another  pupil  are  giving  her  a  national  reputation ;  another  does 
the  most  exquisite  miniature  work,  and  many  of  the  graduates  from  the  In- 
stitute have  their  own  studios  and  their  own  successful  classes. 

The  most   friendly  spirit  prevails   in   the   administration   of  the   In- 


30  THE  HISTORY  OF  ART  IN  ILLINOIS. 

stitute  toward  all  who  are  working  for  the  advance  of  art.  In  many  cases 
artists  striving  for  recognition  have  enjoyed  the  courtesy  of  these  galleries  for 
exhibition  of  their  works,  a  help  and  encouragement  they  have  deeply  appre- 
ciated. To  this  time  the  Institute  has  been  dependent  for  its  support  upon 
the  following  sources :  An  income  of  some  $2,000,  the  income  derived  from, 
membership  dues,  door  receipts  on  pay  days,  catalogue  sales  and  gifts  from  lib- 
eral, art-loving  citizens.  The  school  itself  has  been  for  a  long  time  self-sus- 
taining from  the  students'  fees,  which  are  very  moderate,  and  expended  with 
rigid  economy;  but  there  has  been  a  yearly  deficit  in  the  museum  expenses,  a 
burden,  with  many  another,  most  nobly  borne  by  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the 
Institute.  By  legislation,  recently  enacted,  the  financial  future  of  the  Institute 
is  assured,  a  fact  which  should  be  most  gratefully  appreciated  not  only  by  the 
citizens  of  Chicago  and  Illinois,  but  of  the  West,  to  whom  it  means  so  much. 
The  following  bill  having  been  passed  by  the  Senate,  and  ratified  by  the  city, 
those  who  have  watched  the  growth  of  the  Art  Institute  from  the  very  small 
beginnings  feel  that  the  future  is  bright  with  hope,  and  rejoice  in  all  it  por- 
tends. 

Section  2  of  an  Act  entitled  "An  Act  concerning  museums  in  public 
parks"  reads  as  follows — "That  any  Board  of  Park  Commissioners,  having 
control  of  a  park,  within  which  there  shall  be  maintained  any  museum  or 
museums  of  art,  sciences  or  natural  history  under  the  provisions  of  this  act,  is 
hereby  authorized  to  annually  levy  a  tax  (in  addition  to  all  other  taxes  author- 
ized by  law)  of  half  a  mill  on  each  dollar  of  taxable  property  embraced  in  said 
district  according  to  the  valuation  of  the  same  as  made  for  the  purpose  of 
State  and  county  taxation  by  the  general  assessment  last  preceding  the  time 
when  .such  half  mill  tax  shall  be  levied  for  the  purpose  of  maintaining  and 
caring  for  such  museum  or  museums  and  the  grounds  thereof;  and  the  pro- 
ceeds of  such  additional  tax  shall  be  kept  as  a  separate  fund ;  Provided,  The 
proposition  to  annually  levy  a  tax,  as  herein  aiithorized,  shall  first  be  submitted 
to  the  legal  voters  of  said  park  district  and  secure  a  majority  of  the  votes  cast 
upon  such  proposition."  This  vote  has  been  taken  with  most  satisfactory  re- 
sults in  Chicago,  and  by  March,  1905,  it  is  expected  that  the  Institute  will  begin 
to  reap  the  practical  benefits  of  this  legislation.  This  certainly  marks  a  great 
change  in  the  outlook  for  art  growth  in  Chicago  and  Illinois.  It  means  per- 
manency, freedom  from  anxiety,  a  future  provided  for,  all  of  which  will  en- 
courage art-lovers  and  those  who  desire  to  encourage  its  progress  to  a  still 
further  giving. 

This  tax  of  half  a  mill  on  the  dollar  seems  really  very  little  for  a  great 


32  THE  HISTORY  OF  ART  IN  ILLINOIS. 

city  to  pay  for  the  maintenance  of  such  a  magnificent  organization  as  the 
Art  Institute,  which  means  more  for  the  culture  of  the  youtli  of  the  State  than 
any  other  one  institution.  It  will  mean  an  annual  income  of  $50,000,  or  moro, 
available  for  the  general  expenses  of  the  Institute,  and  will  facilitate  the  even 
better  equipment  of  the  Institute  for  the  work  which  is  so  rapidly  outgrowing 
its  present  accommodations.  "  The  Art  Institute  is  in  the  fullest  sense  an  in- 
stitution conducted  for  the  public  good.  Without  a  dollar  of  assistance  from 
the  city,  save  the  permission  to  build  upon  the  lake  front,  its  managers  have 
erected  a  museum  building,  and  gathered  a  collection  which  commands  the  re- 
spect of  all  competent  judges,  and  which  is  the  subject  of  pride  and  satisfaction 
to  all  right-minded  citizens.  The  art-school  has  grown  to  be  one  of  the  very 
foremost,  both  in  the  number  of  students  and  the  standard  of  excellence.  The 
fine  galleries  are  open  absolutely  free  to  the  public  more  than  one  hundred  and 
sixty  days  each  year,  and  upon  other  days,  not  only  the  members  and  their 
families,  numbering  more  than  ten  thousand,  but  public  school-teachers  to  the 
number  of  four  thousand  six  hundred,  and  all  professional  artists,  are  freely 
admitted."  The  supporters  of  the  Institute  have  been  most  generous  in  many 
ways.  Gifts  of  money  and,  as  has  already  been  intimated,  of  valuable  works  of 
art,  together  with  a  vast  deal  of  labor,  thought  and  self-sacrifice,  have  made 
possible  the  present ;  but  the  future,  which  beckons  on  to  greater  achievement, 
will  have  a  surer  foundation  than  the  generosity  of  patrons. 

To  Mr.  Charles  L.  Hutchinson,  who  has  been  the  President  of  the  Institute 
for  more  than  twenty  years,  the  Institute  owes  such  a  debt  of  gratitude  as  can 
never  be  fully  known.  Mr.  Hutchinson  is  a  man  of  wonderful  executive 
ability, with  a  keen  interest  in  the  public  good,  with  true  love  for  art,  and  a  deep- 
rooted  belief  in  its  usefulness  in  the  widening  and  uplifting  of  civilization. 
In  all  his  work  he  has  been  singularly  unselfish,  caring  little  for  honor  or  fame, 
but  much  for  the  cause-  to  which  he  was  devoting  himself,  and  the  growth 
of  which  was  so  essential  to  the  western  part  of  our  country.  He  has  com- 
manded the  respect  and  esteem  not  only  of  his  co-workers,  but  of  those  every- 
where who,  like  himself,  are  interested  in  the  growth  of  art.  He  has  been 
most  fortunate  in  having  associated  with  him,  from  the  very  incipiency  of  the 
enterprise,  a  board  of  trustees  composed  of  some  of  the  best  men  in  Chicago. 
They  are  among  those  to  whom  the  city  owes  much  of  her  position  in  the 
world  of  commerce  and  manufactures,  and  have  been  willing  to  use  the  same 
ability  which  has  accomplished  so  much  in  these  directions  to  aid  in  the  estab- 
lishment and  advancement  of  a  permanent  Art  Institute. 

"The  great  Sculpture  Hall,  recently  completed  by  the  efforts  of  these 


THE  HISTORY  OF  ART  IN  ILLINOIS.  33 

men  in  giving  and  inciting  others  to  give,  foreshadows  the  completion  of  the 
present  building  by  the  erection  of  a  new  series  of  galleries  above  the  Sculp- 
ture Hall,  as  originally  planned.  Already,  however,  the  collections  stored  for 
want  of  room  or  promised  when  space  for  their  exhibition  can  be  had,  de- 
mand an  extension  toward  the  lake  of  another  building,  joined  to  the  present 
one  by  bridges  over  the  tracks  of  the  Illinois  Central  Railroad." 

The  direction  of  the  schools  and  the  museum,  so  far  as  art  is  concerned, 
has  been,  from  the  first,  vested  in  Mr.  W.  M.  R.  French,  and  the  success  which 
has  attended  both  of  these  departments  bears  testimony  to  his  ability  to  fill  a 
position  unique  in  its  requirements  and  which  is  still  fraught  with  peculiar 
responsibilities.  Mr.  French — a  sketch  of  whose  life  appears  in  another  part 
of  this  volume — has  done  for  the  Art  Institute  what  no  other  director  will  ever 
be  expected  to  do.  He  has  had  much  pioneer  work  to  do,  and  in  the  paucity  of 
other  resources  has  represented  to  a  large  territory  a  bureau  of  information 
upon  any  and  every  subject  even  most  remotely  connected  with  art.  It  is  a 
tribute  to  the  versatility  of  his  knowledge,  as  well  as  to  the  courteous  patience 
of  his  character,  that  no  request,  however  trivial,  is  ever  dismissed  without 
having  received  kind  attention.  M^r.  Low,  to  whose  article  tribute  has  already 
been  paid,  has  very  well  said — "  The  responsibilities  of  the  director  of  a 
museum  in  older  cities,  or  in  other  lands,  do  not,  of  course,  include  such  ex- 
traneous duties  as  furnishing  stereopticon  slides  for  art  lectures,  but  here  a 
collection  of  some  twelve  hundred  is  classified  and  will  soon  be  placed,  un- 
der certain  restrictions,  at  the  disposition  of  responsible  lecturers,  and  an  ex- 
change to  furnish  information  on  art  subjects  to  women's  clubs  and  schools 
is  likewise  maintained.  "We  believe  in  popularizing  the  Institute  perhaps 
to  an  extreme  degree,"  explains 'the  Director;  "but,  on  the  other  hand,  in  the 
schools  the  character  of  the  work  sought  to  be  attained  by  Mr.  French's  in- 
fluence, transmitted  through  the  facility  of  competent  and  painstaking  in- 
structors, is  of  the  highest  standard." 

Mr.  Newton  H.  Carpenter  has  been  identified  with  the  institution  from 
the  very  beginning  in  various  capacities.  First  as  clerk,  then,  during  Mr. 
French's  prolonged  absence,  filling  his  place,  and  now  as  Secretary  of  the  In- 
stitute. Mr.  Carpenter  is  not  only  enthusiastically  interested  in  all  that  per- 
tains to  the  progress  of  art,  particularly  as  represented  by  the  Art  Institute,  but 
he  is  accurately  acquainted  with  every  detail  of  its  history.  While  believing 
that  honor  should  be  paid  to  those  to  whom  honor  is  due,  and  anxious  to  repre- 
sent the  growth  of  the  Institute  as  glowingly  as  facts  will  permit,  he  is  solici- 
tous that  the  public  should  receive  as  history  only  what  can  be  substantiated  by 
facts  in  the  veriest  detail. 


34  THE  HISTORY  OF  ART  IN  ILLINOIS. 

In  the  beginning  of  this  article,  reference  was  made  to  the  Institute  as  a 
place  to  which  those  desiring  an  art  education  came  from  various  parts  of  the 
State,  but  it  has  still  another  mission.  Few  perhaps  are  aware  of  the  degree  of 
excellence  attained  by  the  scholars  of  our  public  schools  in  drawing.  A 
most  interesting  study  is  found  in  the  exhibit  of  work  done  by  pupils  from 
the  8th  grade  down,  to  say  nothing  of  that  of  the  High  School  scholars. 
Every  small  town  of  three  or  four  thousand  inhabitants  and  less  has  at  least 
one  good  drawing  teacher,  and  the  demand  for  such  teachers  in  the  larger 
cities  is  very  great.  These  teachers  must  be  trained  in  many  kinds  of  draw- 
ing, for  in  this  age  the  artistic  instinct  is  strong,  and  outside  of  the  schools 
there  are  many  men,  jewelers,  carvers  in  wood  and  stone,  metal  workers,  etc., 
who  are  anxious  to  receive  instruction  in  drawing  to  aid  them  in  their  varied 
lines  of  work.  How  shall  these  teachers  receive  the  necessary  training  ex- 
cept in  a  regular  school  ?  The  Art  Institute  furnishes  just  the  sort  of  instruc- 
tion which  these  teachers  must  have,  to  be  in  any  degree  fitted  for  their  work. 

The  management  of  the  Art  Institute  is  vested  in  the  Board  of  Govern- 
ing Members,  which  is  limited  in  number  to  two  hundred  and  fifty.  The  Gov- 
erning Members  elect  the  Trustees,  twenty-one  in  number,  who  have  the  control 
and  management  of  the  Art  Institute.  Each  Governing  Member  pays  one  hun- 
dred dollars  upon  election,  and  twenty-five  dollars  a  year  as  annual  dues.  The 
Governing  Members,  Trustees,  President,  Vice-President  and  Treasurer  give 
their  services  freely  to  the  Art  Institute.  The  Art  Institute  is  greatly  indebted 
to  its  many  friends  for  their  remembrance  of  it  by  bequests  in  their  wills.  A 
few  of  these  have  become  available. 

About  one  hundred  thousand  dollars  have  been  received,  all  of  which  has 
been  invested,  and  the  income  only  has  been  used.  About  two  hundred 
thousand  dollars  additional  have  been  bequeathed  to  the  Institute,  but  have  not 
yet  been  turned  over  to  it. 

Illinois  has  reason  for  great  pride  in  the  record  made  by  her  school  of 
art.  When  it  is  considered  that  comparatively  few  years  have  elapsed  since 
the  settlement  of  the  State,  that  many  of  the  pioneers  and  old  settlers  are  still 
living,  and  remember  that  the  establishment  of  an  art  school  is  not  the  primary 
movement  in  a  new  country,  the  present  seems  almost  incredible.  While  the 
Art  Institute  stands  in  a  large  degree  for  art  in  Illinois,  there  are  studio 
buildings  where  talented  men  and  women  are  doing  most  excellent  work  and 
obtaining  recognition  in  art  circles  in  the  East  as  well  as  in  Illinois,  as  is  at- 
tested by  the  exhibition  of  their  pictures,  not  only  in  Chicago  but  in  New  York, 
Philadelphia  and  other  cities.  The  Fine  Arts  Building  is  the  home  of  many 


THE  HISTORY  OF  ART  IN  ILLINOIS.  35 

artists,  and  a  visit  to  their  studios  is  most  interesting.  Here  Lorado  Taft  is 
doing  wonderful  work,  dainty  busts  for  the  drawing-room,  monumental  work 
for  the  Exposition  at  St.  Louis,  llalph  Clarkson,  in  a  studio  which  is  itself  a 
museum  of  curios,  beautiful  and  rare,  is  making  some  of  the  best  portraits  seen 
anywhere.  Martha  S.  Baker  is  winning  most  enviable  reputation  for  her  ex- 
quisite miniature  painting,  and  Christia  M.  Reade  and  many  others  are  doing 
work  in  marble,  on  the  canvas  or  with  metals  in  the  most  artistic  way.  Al- 
ready America  is  taking  her  place  in  the  art  world.  Thayer,  Brush,  Winslow, 
Homer,  Sargent,  Abbey,  as  painters,  and  St.  Gaudens,  French,  Barnard  Mc- 
Monnies,  McNeil,  as  sculptors,  have  international  reputations,  and  America  may 
be  most  proud  of  her  sons.  Their  success  has  not  been  by  accident,  nor  by 
simply  taking  courses  of  lessons  in  the  best  art  school.  Added  to  natural  endow- 
ment have  been  indomitable  perseverance,  unflagging  ambition  and  mental  cul- 
ture. While  they  should  be  an  inspiration  to  every  art  student,  they  should 
also  be  a  reminder  that  only  by  earnest  endeavor  and  the  most  consecrated  zeal 
are  such  results  possible.  It  may  be  said  that  we  live  in  a  practical  age,  that 
art  itself  is  turned  into  channels  of  commerce,  that  the  inspiration  is  lack- 
ing which  made  possible  the  results  of  the  age  of  the  Italian  Renaissance. 
This  is  true  to  a  certain  degree,  and  yet  the  history  of  the  work  which  the  Art 
Institute  of  Chicago  has  achieved  should  encourage  the  most  earnest  effort  on 
the  part  of  those  to  whom  Heaven  has  given  a  true  artist's  nature.  In  no 
walk  of  life  is  there  the  same  opportunity  for  one's  individuality  to  leave  its 
impress  on  result  as  that  which  is  offered  in  the  artist's  life.  We  see  that 
for  which  we  look  in  the  world  about  us,  and  while  the  same  scene  would  strike 
one  as  pathetic,  another  as  absurd,  and  still  another  as  most  grave,  the  world 
seems  almost  kaleidoscopic  in  the  variety  of  thought  it  offers  to  the  artist  as 
suggestive.  Art  is  not  imitative,  yet  the  overlapping  trees  in  the  forest  sug- 
gest the  Gothic  roof,  and  the  poet  clasps  hands  with  the  artist  and  sings,  "  The 
groves  were  God's  first  temples."  There  is  no  emotion  of  the  human  heart  to 
which  a  beautiful  picture  or  statue  may  not  appeal,  hardly  a  phase  of  thought 
which  has  not  been  painted  on  canvas  or  wrought  in  metal  or  stone.  The 
sublime  and  the  beautiful,  the  grand  and  the  picturesque,  the  pathetic  and  the 
grotesque,  all  appeal  to  the  artist's  nature  and  furnish  material  for  effort.  The 
effect  of  th«  lovely  in  art  upon  the  most  uncultivated  mind  is  eloquent  testi- 
mony to  its  value  as  a  silent  educator.  Who  that  has  ever  spent  much  time  in 
art  galleries  has  not  been  impressed  with  the  effect  which  the  silence  of  the 
rooms  and  the  wonderful  exhibitions  of  works  of  art  have  had  upon  the  most 
careless  beholders.  Nature  has  offered  the  greatest  possible  field  to  painter 


36  THE  HISTORY  OF  ART  IN  ILLINOIS. 

and  sculptor,  as  well  as  poet,  and  nature  appeals  to  nature  as  naught  else  can. 
The  tear  on  the  cheek,  the  twinkle  in  the  eye,  the  earnest  expression  of-  lip  and 
brow,  speak  more  than  words  how  some  story  of  human  life  has  appealed  to 
those  battling  with  life's  realities.  This  is  an  important  truth,  and  most 
easily  proved.  The  power  of  appealing  to  the  holiest  passions  of  the  heart  is 
the  artist's  opportunity,  almost  divine,  and'  entails  responsibility  far  too  little 
recognized.  At  the  Columbian  Exposition,  while  pictures  of  grand  mountain 
peaks  riveted  the  admiration,  and  beautiful  meadows  and  mellow  sunsets 
charmed  the  eye,  perhaps  no  picture  day  after  day  drew  larger  crowds  of  men 
and  women,  touched  to  the  heart,  than  did  that  simple  picture,  "  Breaking 
Home-Ties." 

Love  in  its  many  phases — mother  love,  the  love  of  home  and  country,  the 
love  of  lovers — has  furnished  the  theme  for  many  a  brush  and  chisel  through 
the  ages,  and  will  be  the  inspiration  of  painter  and  sculptor  for  all  time.  This 
power  to  influence  humanity,  to  impress  a  sense  of  beauty  upon  the  saddest  life, 
to  make  the  commonplace  seem  full  of  charm,  to  win  to  laughter  and  merri- 
ment those  unused  to  smiles,  is  a  power  which  every  artist  may  wield. 

This  thought  should  be  one  of  mighty  uplift  and  permeate  every  studio 
and  every  art  school  in  the  land.  The  highest  aim  of  life  should  be  to  help 
others,  to  brighten  the  days  as  they  come  and  go  for  those  about  us,  to  wreathe 
with  some  beauty  even  a  bitter  cross,  and  change  the  saddest  tear  into  a  smile. 

For  such  achievement  the  opportunities  of  the  artist  are  most  abundant, 
and  sometimes  if  the  pinnacle  of  fame  seems  far  away  and  hope  long  deferred, 
if  the  laurel  wreath  seems  elusive  and  discouragements  are  many,  the  thought 
that  a  life  may  have  been  brightened  by  some  unpretentious  sketch  or  purified 
by  the  influence  of  a  sweet,  marble  face,  should  be  the  greatest  incentive  to  re- 
newed and  more  persistent  endeavor. 

Viewed  from  this  high  standard,  the  work  of  the  Chicago  Art  Institute 
becomes  more  lofty,  its  ideals  more  sacred  and  its  ambitions  of  greater  value 
than  is  usually  realized.  The  history  of  the  past  has  been  such  as  to  fill  every 
heart  with  grateful  pride ;  the  future  seems  full  of  brightest  hope  and  promise. 

Illinois  can  well  feel  that,  while  the  history  of  her  brief  life  has  given  her 
a  most  enviable  place  in  the  world  of  commerce  and  manufactures,  the  his- 
tory of  the  Chicago  Art  Institute  has  placed  her  far  beyond  many  an  older 
State  in  the  world  of  art. 


THE  HISTORY 

...OF... 

Music  IN  ILLINOIS. 


Vibration — great  and  unknown  force; 

Prime  author  of  velocity — 
Of   budding   life   the   pulsing   part; 

Primeval  cause  of  things  to  be. 

Momentum — genius  of  the  breath — 

That  tacks  the  stars  to  shield  of  blue; 

That  twirls  the  world  in  safety  round. 
And  guides  the  trackless  regions  through. 

Sound — very  first  born  of  effect. 

Result  of  quickening  atoms'  clash; 

The  sweep  of  storm,  volcanic  quake, 
The  thunder  of  the  lightning's  flash. 

Thought — the  subtle,  the  rythmic  force. 
Draws  from  brain  the  great  recorder; 

Shapes  out  the  diamond  from  the  dross. 
Sorts  and  lends  to  chaos,  order. 

Soul — the  spark,  the  leavening  flame 
That  makes  the  morsel  good  to  taste; 

'Tis  to  the  mortal,  touch  of  God — 
The  rain-drop  to  the  pouting  waste. 


38  THE  HISTORY  OF  MUSIC  IN  ILLINOIS. 

Music— result  of  all  in  all 

Essence  immortal,  dew  of  thought; 

Gift  of  heaven:  God's  wireless  speech- 
Man's  answering  medium,  spirit  wrought. 

George  Cathcart  Branson. 

Thus  beautifully  has  been  voiced  a  sort  of  history  of  the  birth  of  music. 
Someone  has  expressively  called  these  verses  "  From  Sound  to  Soul,"  and  in 
a  few  lines  great  truths  have  been  grasped  and  a  most  exquisite  unfolding  of 
what  means  so  much  to  the  art-loving  world. 

All  history  is  interesting ;  every  story,  every  tale  that  is  told,  is  history  of 
fact  or  fiction  and  enlists  our  attention.  The  history  which  deals  in  figures 
or  statistics  is  the  most  easily  told;  that  of  the  progress  of  events  is  a  posi- 
tive thing;  but  the  history  of  music  in  any  given  locality  is  difficult  to.  ob- 
tain accurately.  It  involves  so  many  whose  lives  are  unwritten,  and  the  view- 
point of  the  historian  varies  so  widely  that  the  reader  will,  perhaps,  often  supply 
from  personal  knowledge  events  which  have  eluded  the  writer.  For  many  facts 
in  this  article  the  author  is  indebted  to  various  histories  of  Illinois,  to  Mrs. 
Florence  French's  "  Music  and  Musicians  in  Chicago,"  and  to  many  musicians 
who  have  courteously  contributed  from  their  own  memory  interesting  details. 

In  thinking  of  Illinois  as  a  comparatively  new  State,  we  hardly  realize, 
with  the  present  wealth  of  musical  effort  and  achievement,  that  there  was  a 
beginning,  even  in  her  brief  life.  Seventy-five  years  ago,  a  very  short  time 
compared  with  that  in  which  civilization  and  music  and  art  have  had  their 
development  in  Europe,  Illinois  was  almost  unsettled.  Over  its  prairies  wild 
animals  still  roamed  quite  undisturbed;  no  waving  harvests  were  eloquent  of 
the  richness  of  the  soil,  no  busy  wheel  mingled  with  the  murmur  of  its  beauti- 
ful streams,  nothing  betokened  the  development  and  the  growth  which  have 
been  almost  like  magic.  To-day  the  lives  of  the  men  and  women  sketched 
in  the  limits  of  this  volume,  with  many  another  unwritten  history,  are  tes- 
timony as  to  the  beginning  and  nurturing  of  music  and  art  in  a  way  sur- 
passed in  no  country  and  no  age  in  a  like  span  of  years.  It  would  be  absurd 
to  expect  Illinois  to  equal  Germany,  England,  France  and  Italy  in  what  is  de- 
pendent upon  centuries  of  experience  and  culture.  Nothing  is  more  inexor- 
able than  the  laws  of  Nature.  A  new  country  does  not  begin  its  development 
by  the  establishing  of  Art  Institutes  or  Conservatories  of  Music.  In  open- 
ing new  territory,  men  are  required  to  furnish  shelter,  food  and  raiment,  and 
the  weary  toiler  is  satisfied  for  the  time  with  the  possession  of  such  neces- 
sities. No  matter  how  dominant  art  instinct  and  love  for  music  may  be,  yet 


THE  HISTORY  OF  MUSIC  IN  ILLINOIS.  39 

other  demands  must  first  be  met,  and  the  attainment  of  wealth  must  be  assured 
to  foster  art  endeavor,  or  its  perfection  is  the  impossible. 

In  the  State  of  Illinois,  where  the  struggle  for  existence  has  been  com- 
paratively recent,  the  growth  of  art  and  musical  institutions  since  1840  has 
been  wonderful,  and,  during  the  past  score  of  years,  marvelous.  These  con- 
ditions have  been  made  possible  through  the  aid  of  those  who  have  amassed 
wealth  and  who  have  had  a  longing  for  the  beautiful  and  a  great  spirit  of 
public  benefaction.  It  is  difficult  to  give  any  date  of  the  very  beginnings  of 
musical  life  in  Chicago  or  Illinois.  The  cradle  songs  voiced  by  many  a  mother 
with  heart  yearning  for  home  and  loved  ones  far  away  were,  no  doubt,  the  first 
songs  that  ever  floated  over  the  prairies  which  are  now  covered  with  cities  and 
towns  and  villages.  But  the  demand  for  music  had  existence,  and,  as  the  days 
grew  into  weeks  and  months  and  years,  this  demand  grew  more  insistent. 
The  lullaby  and  the  hymn  and  anthem  of  the  primitive  choirs  grew  rapidly,  till 
the  years  between  the  music  of  the  early  village  church  and  the  merry- 
makings of  that  time,  and  the  present,  with  its  Apollo  and  Mendelssohn  Clubs, 
its  grand  opera  at  the  Auditorium,  its  Thomas'  orchestras  and  light  operas  at 
the  Studebaker,  seem  incredibly  few  in  the  light  of  results  achieved.  It  brings 
a  realization  of  what  the  nineteenth  century  did,  when  those  old  settlers,  some 
of  whom  perhaps  sang  in  the  earliest  choirs  and  singing  schools,  live  to  see 
the  perfection  reached  to-day.  As  has  already  been  suggested,  it  is  exceedingly 
difficult  to  positively  trace  the  development  of  music  in  Illinois.  Much  of  this 
progress  had  its  sphere  in  the  home  life  of  some  of  these  early  settlers,  so  that 
only  the  salient  points  can  be  recorded,  and  only  a  very  incomplete  men- 
tion made  of  the  many  to  whom  honor  is  due. 

The  first  piano  brought  to  the  little  settlement  of  Chicago  was  the  prop- 
erty of  John  Baptiste  Beaubien,  one  of  two  brothers  devoted  to  music,  and 
leading  the  singing  in  the  various  social  and  religious  "  meetings  "  held.  This 
piano  was  brought  to  Chicago  in  1834,  and  was  the  delight  of  all  who  heard  it. 
It  is  still  in  the  possession  of  one  of  the  family,  Mrs.  Ogee,  of  Silver  Lake, 
Kansas.  A  brother — Mark — of  this  Beaubien  owned  the  first  violin  of  which 
we  have  any  knowledge  in  Illinois,  an  instrument  which  became  the  property 
of  John  Wentworth,  who  presented  it  to  the  Calumet  Club,  and  it  is  now  in 
the  possession  of  the  Old  Settlers'  Association. 

The  first  musical  organization  in  Illinois  was  the  Chicago  Harmonic  So- 
ciety, which  gave  its  initial  concert  December  11,  1835,  in  a  Presbyterian 
church. 

In  1848  a  musical  convention  was  held  in  the  First  Baptist  Church,  and 


40  THE  HISTORY  OF  MUSIC  IN  ILLINOIS. 

the  resolutions  adopted  by  it,  expressing  their  sentiments  and  aims,  certainly 
embodied  the  highest  ambitions  and  ideals.  In  1857  the  Chicago  Magazine 
thus  cited  the  difficulties  to  be  surmounted  by  the  early  choir  "  as  those  who 
could  sing  were  timid,  and  those  who  could  not  sing  were  unfortunately  filled 
with  ardor  to  serve  the  Lord."  Possibly  leaders  of  to-day  may  feel  that  such 
difficulty  was  not  wholly  confined  to  those  early  times. 

In  1855  the  Philharmonic  Society  was  founded,  under  the  leadership  of 
Julius  Dyhrenfurth,  violinist,  who  was  a  great  favorite  for  years  in  musical 
circles,  and  to  him  George  P.  Upton,  the  first  musical  critic  of  the  Chicago 
Tribune,  attributes  the  honor  "  of  first  establishing  the  desire  for  musical  cul- 
ture in  the  West." 

Among  those  who  were  foremost  in  promoting  the  love  and  knowledge  of 
music  for  thirty  years  following  1852  was  Frank  Lumbard,  a  genial  com- 
panion, an  enthusiastic  artist  and  a  fine  singer.  He  was  active  in  establish- 
ing early  musical  societies  and  church  choirs,  and  when  the  Civil  War  broke 
out  his  splendid  voice  was  heard  throughout  the  country,  the  inspiration  of 
many  a  disheartened  soldier  by  the  camp-fire.  In  those  days  traveling  concert 
troupes  were  most  gladly  welcomed,  and  they  were  not  infrequently  named 
after  the  families  who  composed  them.  Some  of  the  names  are  still  familiar, 
as  the  Berger,  Hutchinson  and  Peak  families.  In  connection  with  these 
troupes  some  eminent  soloists  made  their  debut.  Sol  Smith  Eussell,  when 
eleven  years  of  age,  sang  "  Lanigan's  Ball "  with  the  Peak  family  bell- 
ringers;  as  far  back  as  1839  Joseph  Jefferson,  only  a  child,  was  a  favorite 
singer,  and  McVicker,  known  to  the  present  generation  as  a  scholarly  and 
dignified  man,  began  his  life  in  Chicago  as  a  singing  and  dancing  comedian. 
Ballads  were  great  favorites  with  the  people  of  that  time,  and  some  of  them 
— war-songs  and  love-songs — were  written  by  George  F.  Root,  and  were  sung 
and  loved  not  only  in  Chicago  but  all  over  the  country.  Among  them  may  be 
mentioned  "  Rosalie,  the  Prairie  Flower,"  "  Hazel-Dell,"  "  Nellie  Gray,"  "  The 
Battle  Cry  of  Freedom,"  "  Tramp,  Tramp,  Tramp,"  "  Just  Before  the  Bat- 
tle, Mother."  To  the  war-songs  Henry  C.  Wurk,  of  Chicago,  contributed 
"  Marching  Through  Georgia,"  "  Brave  Boys  Are  They,"  "  Kingdom  Coming," 
etc.  In  1851  Jenny  Lind  came  to  Chicago,  with  Theodore  Thomas  as  solo 
violinist.  In  1864  Uranus  H.  Crosby  erected  the  first  real  opera  house,  with 
a  seating  capacity  of  three  thousand  and  a  cost  of  $600,000.  It  was  located 
on  the  north  side  of  Washington  Street,  between  State  and  Dearborn,  and 
was  called  the  Crosby  Opera  House,  and  the  first  season  of  grand  opera  in 
Chicago  was  opened  there. 


TEE  HISTORY  OF  MUSIC  IN  ILLINOIS.  41 

On  account  of  the  assassination  of  Lincoln,  the  opening  night  was  post- 
poned from  April  17th  till  the  20th,  when,  under  the  then  famous  impres- 
sario,  J.  Grael,  the  opera  of  "  II  Trovatore  "  was  given.  This  was  followed  by 
"  Lucia  di  Lammermoor,"  "  II  Polutio,"  "Martha,"  "Norma,"  "  Faust,"  "  La 
Soninambula,"  "  II  Puritani,"  "  Lucretia  Borgia,"  "  Ernani "  and  "  Fra  Di- 
avolo." 

This  company  was  from  New  York,  and  included  Clara  Louise  Kellogg, 
Zucchi,  Morensi,  Lotti,  Susini  and  Brignoli.  This  was  the  beginning  of  grand 
opera  in  Chicago,  and  now  each  year  brings  to  our  city  the  best  .talent,  and  a 
most  brilliant  season  is  opened,  patronized  by  the  wealth  and  culture  of  the 
city,  who  lend  the  elegance  and  charm  of  their  presence  to  the  delightful  ren- 
dering of  the  greatest  operas.  The  Auditorium  has  furnished  a  rarely  magni- 
ficent place  for  the  presentation  of  these  operas,  most  beautifully  staged  and 
sung  by  the  greatest  artists  of  the  world. 

In  1864,  a  music  hall  was  built  on  the  site  of  the  present  Chicago  Opera 
House,  and  there  L.  M.  Gottschalk  gave  six  concerts,  the  tickets  being  all  sold 
in  advance,  and  the  greatest  enthusiasm  evinced  over  the  opportunity  given 
to  hear  the  great  pianist.  In  a  letter  written  by  him,  December  4,  1864,  Gott- 
schalk gives  a  most  interesting  picture  of  the  Chicago  of  that  time.  He  speaks 
of  the  "  feverish  enterprise  everywhere ;  the  stores — palaces ;  the  hotels — towns." 
Speaking  of  the  Crosby  Opera  House,  then  in  process  of  erection,  he  said  that 
it  easily  challenged  comparison  with  any  house  in  New  York,  surpassing  most 
of  them. 

Chicago  had  various  musical  organizations,  but  few  were  long-lived.  In 
1871  came  the  great  fire,  when  Crosby's  Opera  House,  McVicker's  Theatre, 
Dearborn  Theatre  and  Wood's  Museum,  all  on  the  south  side  of  the  river,  were 
destroyed,  and  Turner  Hall  and  German  Hall,  on  the  north  side.  The  win- 
ter following  this  great  calamity  concerts  were  held  in  the  churches,  the 
Michigan  Ave.  Baptist  Church,  near  Twenty-second  St.,  being  the  center  for 
the  south  side,  and  the  Union  Park  Congregational  Church  for  the  west  side. 
In  spite  of  all  demands  on  time  and  brain  and  capital,  music  shared  in  the 
great  impetus  given  everything  at  this  time.  Before  the  fire  the  Oratorio  So- 
ciety, led  by  Hans  Balatka,  did  perhaps  the  best  work  done  in  the  city. 
Their  library  was  destroyed  by  the  fire,  their  members  scattered,  and  their 
leader,  for  the  time  discouraged,  removed  to  Milwaukee. 

Orlando  Blackman  and  A.  K.  Sabin,  as  managers,  tried  to  reorganize  this 
Society,  and  the  Handel  and  Haydn  Society,  of  Boston,  came  to  the  rescue 
with  copies  of  the  "  Messiah,"  "  Israel  in  Egypt,"  "  David,"  and  miscellaneous 


42  THE  HISTORY  OF  MUSIC  IN  ILLINOIS. 

choruses.  J.  A.  Butterfield  was  selected  for  conductor,  and  W.  S.  B.  Mathewa 
the  organist. 

Their  first  concert  was  given  May  16,  1872,  in  the  Union  Park  Con- 
gregational Church,  and  soon  after  repeated  in  the  Michigan  Avenue  Baptist 
Church.  On  these  occasions  the  chorus  numbered  about  one  hundred  and 
fifty,  the  orchestra  twenty-two,  and  the  success  attending  them  seemed  full  of 
encouragement.  Eehearsals  were  had  through  the  autumn,  and  a  concert  ar- 
ranged for  an  evening  in  January,  1873,  but  only  an  hour  before  the  time  for 
the  concert  the  building  in  which  it  was  to  have  been  held  burned  to  the 
ground.  The  new  library  was  destroyed,  the  members  were  much  disheartened 
and,  in  spite  of  the  efforts  of  Orlando  Blackman,  the  society  gradually  became 
extinct. 

In  1872,  the  Beethoven  Club  was  organized  for  producing  choral  works. 
This  organization  was  the  direct  result  of  a  visit  to  the  city  from  Carl  Wolf- 
sohn.  Mr.  Wolfsohn  added  to  ripe  musical  scholarship  a  real  enthusiasm. 
The  key-note  of  the  Beethoven  Society  was  "  enthusiasm  for  good  music." 
This  organization  had  an  existence  for  eleven  years,  and  did  a  vast  deal  of 
excellent  work.  During  the  first  season,  Carl  Wolfsohn  undertook  the  gigantic 
task  of  playing  the  entire  thirty-three  sonatas,  by  Beethoven,  as  piano  solos. 
Ten  recitals  of  this  series  were  given  in  Standard  Hall,  corner  Thirteenth  and 
Michigan  Ave.,  to  large  audiences.  Before  the  fire  Wm.  J.  Lewis,  violinist, 
had  attained  prominence  in  the  musical  evenings,  given  under  the  aus- 
pices of  Root  and  Cady.  Carl  Wolfsohn  found  in  him  a  most  earnest  co- 
worker  in  his  efforts  to  establish  a  demand  for  the  best  music.  Soon  after, 
Eicheim,  the  'cellist,  came  to  Chicago,  and  these  three  great  artists  con- 
tributed much  to  the  delight  of  the  reunions  of  the  Beethoven  Club.  The 
Chicago  Quintette  Club,  an  organization  for  the  giving  of  chamber  music,  was 
the  most  noted  and  longest-lived  club  of  its  kind  in  the  city.  It  owed  its 
existence  to  the  efforts  of  Wm.  J.  Lewis  and  Miss  Agnes  Ingersoll,  and  was 
composed  of  Miss  Ingersoll,  M.  Eicheim,  Herman  Allen,  Wm.  Allen  and 
Mr.  Pellage,  and  had  always  the  co-operation  of  Mr.  Lewis.  Miss  Inger- 
soll had  come  to  Chicago  from  New  York.  She  had  inherited  from  her  father 
musical  gifts,  and  received  her  early  piano  instruction  from  an  elder  sister, 
who  had  been  a  pupil  of  the  well-known  Zundel.  Later  she  studied  in 
Leipsic,  Berlin  and  Paris,  under  the  best  teachers,  and  became  an  accomplished 
musician.  Although  most  widely  known  through  her  connection  with  the 
Quintette  Club,  she  was  identified  with  concerts  and  musical  entertain- 
ments in  different  parts  of  the  city.  At  this  time  Lewis  Eicheim,  Clarence 


THE  HISTORY  OF  MUSIC  IN  ILLINOIS.  43 

Eddy  and  Edward  Heimendahl  were  associated  with  Carl  Wolfsohn,  Emil 
Liebling,  W.  C.  E.  Seebreck  and  Amy  Fay,  a  sister  of  Mrs.  Theodore 
Thomas,  in  the  production  of  chamber  music,  a  galaxy  of  scholarly  musicians 
of  which  any  city  might  justly  be  proud.  Emil  Liebling  has  been  a  most 
prominent  factor  in  the  production  of  chamber  music  since  1880,  his  series  of 
piano  recitals  dating  back  to  1876.  No  one  has  been  more  closely  identified 
with  the  musical  education  and  progress  of  Chicago  than  has  this  genial 
scholar,  enthusiastic  musician  and  brilliant  pianist. 

The  opening  of  the  Hershey  School  led  to  the  production  of  much  music 
of  a  similar  class.  This  school  was  founded  by  Miss  Sara  Hershey,  famous 
not  only  as  a  pianist  but  as  a  scholarly  artist  and  an  excellent  teacher.  Born 
in  Philadelphia,  and  with  a  decided  love  for  music,  she  began  her  profes- 
sional career  by  teaching  in  Muscatine,  Iowa.  In  1867,  she  went  abroad, 
studying  in  Berlin,  Milan  and  London,  returning  to  New  York,  busy  in  con- 
cert work  there  and  teaching  in  the  Packer  Institute,  in  Brooklyn,  for  two 
years.  In  1875,  she  came  to  Chicago  and  immediately  founded  the  Hershey 
School  of  Musical  Art,  which  obtained  recognition  from  the  leading  musicians 
of  the  city. 

Mention  should  be  made  of  David  W.  Perkins,  pianist  and  instructor, 
who  came  to  Chicago  in  1868  and  opened  a  studio  in  Crosby's  Opera 
House,  and  before  the  fire  became  a  very  successful  teacher,  with  a  large 
class  of  pupils,  but  afterwards  moved  to  Milwaukee. 

In  the  same  building,  in  1871,  Charles  H.  Brettan  established  a  school 
and  inaugurated  a  series  of  concerts,  which  gave  him  prestige  in  musical  cir- 
cles. It  is  impossible  to  name  all  who,  during  these  years,  were  encouraging 
the  taste  for  the  best  music  and  laying  the  foundation  for  the  splendid  work 
of  to-day.  Many  a  one  lives  only  in  the  grateful  memory  of  those  who  re- 
ceived from  them  inspiration  and  encouragement  to  do  their  best  work.  The 
first  music  hall  built  down-town  after  the  fire  was  the  Kingsbury  Hall,  on 
Clark  St.,  opposite  the  Sherman  House.  The  first  large  down-town  hall  after 
the  fire  was  McCormick's  Hall,  corner  of  Clark  and  Kinzir  Sts.,  which  had  a 
seating  capacity  of  twenty-five  hundred  people.  Farwell  Hall,  rebuilt  after  the 
fire,  proved  too  small,  and  the  necessity  for  a  new  and  commodious  concert  and 
lecture  hall  became  imperative.  At  this  crisis  George  B.  Carpenter  under- 
took the  personal  supervision  of  the  building  of  Central  Music  Hall  on  the 
southeast  corner  of  State  and  Washington  Sts.  This  hall  seated  seventeen 
hundred,  with  room  for  two  hundred  in  the  boxes.  It  was  a  beautiful  hall,  and 
will  ever  be  held  in  sweet  memory  by  all  music-lovers  in  Chicago.  There 


44  THE  HISTORY  OF  MUSIC  IN  ILLINOIS. 

Adelina  Patti  first  appeared  when  she  returned  to  America,  and  many  other 
celebrated  musicians  gave  their  concerts  there. 

For  many  years  Dr.  Florence  Ziegfeld  had  his  headquarters  there,  and  as 
his  college,  the  Chicago  Musical  College  may  justly  be  called  the  parent  of  all 
others.  Central  Music  Hall  became  thus  identified  with  the  musical  growth 
of  Chicago.  Here  the  Apollo  and  Mendelssohn  Clubs  gave  their  concerts,  and 
from  association  this  hall  became  sacred  to  the  musical  public  of  Chicago,  as 
possibly  no  other  hall  will  ever  be.  There,  too,  the  lamented  and  "silver- 
voiced  "  David  Swing  charmed  large  audiences  Sabbath  after  Sabbath,  as 
hardly  any  other  has  ever  done. 

But  of  the  societies  which  were  organized  soon  after  the  fire,  the 
Apollo  Club  has  most  bravely  kept  its  way,  and  is  to-day  the  leading  club 
for  mixed  voices  in  Chicago.  To  Silas  G.  Pratt  should  be  accorded  the  honor 
of  the  thought  out  of  which  grew  this  club,  which  has  been  the  source  of 
pride  to  the  city  for  many  years. 

A  meeting  was  held  in  the  summer  of  1872,  in  the  store  of  Lym  &  Healy, 
then  located  on  the  corner-of-  Sixteenth  imdnWabash,  to  consider  the  organiza- 
tion of  a  chorus  of  male  voices.  The  organization  was  effected,  and  the 
name  and  constitution  of  the  Apollo  Club  in  Boston  were  adopted.  The  first 
concert  was  given  in  January,  1873,  and  the  first  conductor  was  Silas  G.  Pratt. 
Mr.  Pratt,  however,  resigned  this  position  in  a  few  weeks,  and  Mr.  A.  W. 
Dohn,  who  had  formerly  been  the  conductor  of  the  Mendelssohn  Club,  was  im- 
mediately chosen  his  successor.  The  success  of  this  society  was  marked  from 
the  beginning,  and  in  connection  with  their  concerts  they  gave  to  the  public 
the  opportunity  of  hearing  some  of  the  best  soloists,  instrumental  and  vocal. 
At  the  end  of  1874,  Mr.  Dohn  resigned  and  Carl  Bergstein  succeeded  him  as 
conductor,  but  held  the  position  only  a  short  time. 

About  this  time  Mr.  George  L.  Tomlins  came  to  Chicago.  Mr.  Tomlins 
was  born  in  England,  and  early  evinced  a  real  genius  for  music.  At  the  age  of 
nine  he  was  a  choir  boy,  and  at  eleven  was  organist;  two  years  later  he  be- 
came choirmaster,  and  at  seventeen  conducted  his  first  oratorio.  He  com- 
bined with  a  passionate  love  for  music  a  rare  gift  for  conducting,  and  his  name 
became  the  synonym  for  success  in  whatever  he  attempted.  He  had  rare  op- 
portunities for  study,  and  in  1870,  when  twenty-five  years  of  age,  he  came  to 
New  York.  While  making  a  concert  tour  he  visited  Chicago  as  conductor  of 
the  Kichings-Bernard  Old  Folks'  Concert  Company.  He  came  just  when 
the  change  in  the  conductor  of  the  Apollo  Club  was  pending.  He  was  offered 
the  position,  and  accepted  it,  a  connection  which  proved  most  advantageous  in 


THE  HISTORY  OF  MUSIC  IN  ILLINOIS.  45 

every  way,  and  from  that  time  he  became  identified  with  the  musical  progress  of 
Chicago.  With  him  the  thought  that  a  ladies'  chorus  should  be  added  and 
made  permanently  a  part  of  the  club  became  conviction.  A  number  of  ladies 
were  trained,  and  their  first  appearance  was  made  at  an  extra  concert  given 
for  the  benefit  of  Mr.  Tomlins,  June  8,  1876.  The  next  day  the  Chicago 
Tribune  made  this  comment:  "Mr.  Tomlins  has  succeeded  with  this  mixed 
chorus  exactly  as  he  has  with  his  male  chorus,  namely,  in  perfect  enunciation, 
fine  phrasing  and  shading,  promptness  of  attack,  steadiness  in  time  and  de- 
velopment of  power.  The  enthusiasm  of  the  chorus  was  unlimited,  showing 
a  very  remarkable  magnetism  and  inspiration  on  Mr.  Tomlins'  part."  From 
that  time  the  success  of  this  club  has  been  assured,  and  to-day  the  Apollo  Mus- 
ical Club  is  one  of  the  largest,  as  well  as  one  of  the  most  popular,  musical  or- 
ganizations in  the  city.  A  review  of  its  progress  and  a  detailed  history  of  its 
programs  would  be  most  interesting,  but  the  society  is  so  well  known  as  to 
hardly  need  this  sort  of  introduction  to  the  public  of  Illinois.  April  21,  1898, 
this  club  held  the  closing  concert  of  the  season.  This  concert  had  memorable 
interest  from  the  fact  that  it  marked  the  retirement,  after  twenty-three  years 
of  continuous  service,  of  William  L.  Tomlins  as  conductor.  The  chorus  was 
unusually  large,  four  hundred  and  fifty  strong,  augmented  by  a  portion  of  the 
Chicago  Orchestra.  Mr.  Tomlins  was  succeeded  by  Harrison  M.  Wild,  who  is  to- 
day the  conductor  of  the  society.  While  still  a  comparatively  young  man,  Mr. 
Wild  is  a  man  of  great  versatility  of  talent,  an  unrivaled  director,  a  superb 
organist,  an  able  writer  on  musical  topics,  and  a  most  successful  teacher  of  both 
the  piano  and  organ.  His  ideals  are  the  highest,  his  demands  upon  his  choruses 
are  large,  and  his  rules  are  rigorous,  yet  he  wins  not  only  the  respect  but  the 
affection  of  those  under  his  tuition  or  leadership.  He  directs  the  music  at 
Grace  Church,  and  has  elevated  the  music  there  to  such  a  high  standard 
that  the  church  often  will  not  accommodate  the  many  who  long  for  the  in- 
fluence of  this  beautiful  service.  Under  his  leadership  the  Apollo  Club  has 
made  great  strides  in  the  finish  of  its  work,  but  the  ambition  of  their  leader 
is  not  yet  satisfied.  He  is  a  man  of  quick  decisions,  rare  judgment  in  musi- 
cal matters,  and  indomitable  perseverence,  and  the  public  may  expect  a  great 
future  for  this  club  under  his  management. 

Contemporaneous  with  this  club  was  the  Beethoven  Club,  already  alluded 
to  as  the  first  large  mixed  chorus  in  Chicago.  This  club  had  a  member- 
ship of  over  two  hundred  of  the  best  voices  in  the  city,  which  fact  indicates 
the  sort  of  work  done  by  them.  As  before  mentioned,  this  club  owed  its  ex- 
istence to  Carl  Wolfsohn,  a  man  of  great  attainment,  personal  magnetism  and 


46  THE  HISTORY  OF  MUSIC  IN  ILLINOIS. 

enthusiasm.  They  gave  three  choral  concerts  each  year,  and  also  monthly  re- 
unions, and  presented  to  the  public  all  that  was  best  in  the  realm  of  chamber 
music.  For  eleven  years  the  Beethoven  Society  had  an  existence,  and  the 
benefit  of  its  influence  is  still  felt  in  the  higher  musical  circles  of  Chicago. 

The  Mendelssohn  Club,  an  organization  of  sixty  male  voices,  is  one  of  the 
older  musical  clubs,  and  would  be  an  honor  to  any  city.  Harrison  M.  Wild  is 
its  director,  and  in  its  work  he  feels  he  has  succeeded  in  nearing  the  realization 
of  his  ideals.  The  club  gives  three  concerts  during  the  season,  and  they  are 
among  the  greatest  musical  treats  given  to  the  public.  Their  singing  is  marked 
by  the  most  exquisite  shading,  and  so  perfectly  do  they  sing  together  that 
one  can  hardly  realize  that  there  are  sixty  voices.  It  is  like  one  great  harmony. 
The  greatest  enthusiasm  prevails  among  its  members,  and  there  is  a  marked 
freedom  from  the  petty  jealousies  which  so  often  retard  the  work  of  musical 
organizations.  At  each  concert  a  soloist  assists  in  the  program.  This  season 
they  have  been :  George  Hamlin,  who  is  recognized  as  a  leading  American  tenor, 
and  who  is  a  great  favorite  with  Chicago  audiences ;  Glymn  Miles,  a  magnificent 
baritone,  who  has  been  winning  many  laurels  of  late;  and  for  the  last  con- 
cert, Mrs.  Maud  Fenlon  Bollman,  of  Eockford,  111.,  whose  brilliant  soprano 
voice  is  making  her  a  place  among  the  best  singers  of  Illinois.  Mr.  Wild  feels 
a  great  pride  in  the  work  of  this  club,  and  is  ambitious  for  its  future. 

While  these  clubs  were  at  work  for  the  attainment  of  the  best  pos- 
sible in  chorus  work,  those  interested  along  other  lines  were  not  idle.  The 
Chicago  Quintette  Club,  already  mentioned,  for  years  did  most  excellent  work 
and  achieved  an  enviable  reputation.  Various  attempts  were  made  by  differ- 
ent conductors  to  organize  a  home  orchestra.  Notable  among  these  v,rere  Silas 
G.  Pratt,  Adolph  Rosenbecker,  Dr.  Ziegfeld,  and  others,  but  the  orchestra  led 
by  Theodore  Thomas  so  completely  eclipsed  all  others  that  it  has  absorbed 
them  to  some  extent,  and  they  have  become  extinct. 

Possibly  the  World's  Fair  contributed  towards  making  Theodore  Thomas 
a  permanency  in  Chicago.  Although  his  name  had  been  identified  at  various 
times  with  the  musical  history  of  Chicago,  since  1891  he  has  been  permanently 
associated  with  the  Chicago  Orchestra,  which  closes  its  twenty-third  season  this 
year,  1904.  Theodore  Thomas  was  born  in  Essen,  Hanover,  and  came  to 
America  when  but  a  ten-year-old  boy.  Dependent  upon  himself,  he  obtained 
a  musical  education,  and  in  1855  became  the  leader  of  the  Thomas-Mason 
chamber-music  concerts.  For  fourteen  years  this  celebrated  quintette  worked 
together,  and  made  a  lasting  impression  upon  musical  circles  far  and  near. 
In  1866  he  became  the  leader  of  an  orchestra  which  gave  a  series  of  summer 


THE  HISTORY  OF  MUSIC  IN  ILLINOIS.  47 

concerts  in  New  York,  and  later  symphony  concerts  in  the  winter.  In  1870 
he  made  a  tour  of  the  country  with  his  full  orchestra,  his  May  festivals  in 
Cincinnati  'attracting  the  attention  of  the  musical  world.  Since  coming  to 
Chicago  his  programs  have  been  remarkable  for  their  wide  range  of  music 
and  the  excellence  of  its  rendition.  Mr.  Thomas  is  a  natural  director,  ex- 
acting in  his  requirements,  yet  of  courteous,  gracious  manner,  never  imposing 
upon  others  what  he  is  unwilling  to  attempt  himself.  The  music  given  by 
this  orchestra  has  been  a  great  source  of  education  to  the  Chicago  public. 
Liszt,  Wagner,  Brahm  and  others  have  thus  become  familiar,  and  through 
various  lectures,  given  as  incidental  to  the  work  of  the  orchestra,  the  audiences 
have  come  in  a  degree  prepared  to  enjoy  intelligently  the  programs  prepared 
for  them.  It  seems  now  as  if  the  dream  long  cherished  will  have  realization, 
and  that  this  orchestra,  with  its  distinguished  leader,  will  have  a  home  of  their 
own. 

In  the  midst  of  many  financial  and  other  discouragements,  Theodore 
Thomas  has  stood  immovable  for  all  that  is  high  and  ennobling  in  music,  and 
he  has  gained  the  confidence  not  only  of  musical  circles  but  the  respect  of  the 
community  and  the  esteem  of  those  who  have  been  under  his  leadership. 

The  organization  of  the  Spiering  Quartette  has  given  to  Chicago  a  first-class 
string  quartette.  Its  success  is  eloquent  of  the  musical  taste  of  the  present 
Chicago,  for  these  accomplished  musicians  play  nothing  but  the  highest  class 
of  music,  and  their  concerts  are  always  attended  by  enthusiastic  audiences. 

As  has  been  mentioned,  various  schools  have  been  established  during  the 
years.  Among  them  may  be  named  the  Chicago  College  of  Vocal  and  In- 
strumental Music,  Chicago  Conservatory,  Chicago  Music  College,  Chicago 
National  College  of  Music,  Balatka's  College  of  Music,  the  Hershey  Col- 
lege of  Musical  Art,  the  American  Conservatory,  the  Chicago  Conservatory  and 
the  Sherwood  Music  School,  which  this  year  (1904)  does  conservatory  work. 
We  can  only  give  a  brief  resume  of  the  work  done  by  the  largest  of  those  still  in 
existence.  Some  facts  suggest  themselves  in  this  glance  at  the  work  done  by 
the  leading  musical  schools  of  Chicago,  for  it  will  only  be  possible  to  write 
fully  of  those  longest  established  and  most  largely  patronized. 

The  standard  set  before  the  youth  of  to-day  is  so  very  high  that  some 
years  ago  its  attainment  would  have  seemed  the  impossible.  In  many  a  home 
the  daughter  plays  the  piano,  organ  or  violin  with  a  skill  that  once  would 
have  been  found  only  among  professionals.  There  must  be  a  knowledge  of 
harmony,  of  the  theory  of  music;  the  aim  of  every  musical  composer  must 
be  understood  to  enable  the  player  to  give  a  correct  interpretation,  and  not 


48  THE  HISTORY  OF  MUSIC  IN  ILLINOIS. 

only  a  fine  technique  but  an  intelligent  presentation  must  mark  the  pupil  of 
to-day.  The  same  degree  of  progress  is  apparent  in  the  teachers  of  the 
present ;  even  those  not  connected  with  any  institution  or  school  feel  the  necces- 
sity  of  the  best  preparation,  and  the  normal  department  connected  with  most 
of  the  larger  institutions  supplies  their  demand.  Every  possible  incentive  is 
offered  to  pupils  in  every  department  to  do  their  best  work,  and  recognition 
of  their  efforts  is  given  in  medals,  diamonds,  gold  and  silver,  presented  in  ad- 
dition to  the  usual  diploma  and  certificate.  The  army  of  youth  in  Chicago 
and  through  the  State  engaged  in  the  earnest  study  of  music  on  the  highest 
plane  would,  no  doubt,  surprise  even  those  comparatively  familiar  with  the 
facts.  The  very  best  talent  is  engaged  in  teaching.  Artists  like  Bernard 
Ziehn,  Carl  Wolfsohn,  Emil  Liebling,  Wm.  H.  Sherwood,  Fannie  Bloomfield 
Zeissler  and  others,  are  teaching,  and  the  result  must  necessarily  be  the  accom- 
plishment of  much  which  not  long  ago  seemed  the  impossible.  They  are 
giving  to  the  world  some  of  its  finest  pianists,  (Fannie  Bloomfield  Zeissler 
herself  having  been  a  pupil  of  both  Carl  Wolfsohn  and  Bernard  Ziehn),  some 
of  its  favorite  singers,  violinists  and  composers.  We  have  already  alluded  to 
the  Chicago  Music  College  as  one  of  the  oldest  music  schools  in  Illinois.  For 
facts  connected  with  the  history  of  this  college  we  are  indebted  to  Mr. 
George  P.  Upton,  for  many  years  the  musical  critic  of  the  Chicago  Tribune. 
The  history  in  its  entirety  appears  in  the  catalogue  of  the  college,  and  is  used 
by  the  courtesy  of  Mr.  Wm.  K.  Ziegfeld.  The  college  was  organized  in  1867 
by  Dr.  Florence  Ziegfeld,  who  is  still  the  President.  Chicago  was  then  a  city 
of  two  hundred  thousand  people,  and  the  college  has  kept  pace  with  the  growth 
of  the  great  city,  and  is  now  a  musical  and  educational  center  of  a  city  of 
more  than  two  million  inhabitants.  Its  first  home  was  in  the  Crosby  Opera 
House,  then  the  musical  center  of  the  city,  and  its  beginning  compared  with 
its  present  magnificent  equipment  was  humble.  From  the  Crosby  Opera  House 
it  moved  to  more  commodious  rooms  at  253  Wabash  Ave.  Then  came  the 
great  fire,  "  when  the  daughters  of  music  were  brought  low."  It  might  seem 
that  music  would  be  the  last  thing  to  receive  attention  at  a  time  of  such 
disaster,  but  in  a  short  time  the  college  resumed  its  work,  first  at  800,  later  at 
493  Wabash  Ave.,  where  they  remained  till  Central  Music  Hall  was  erected. 
In  that  building  it  seemed  as  if  its  accommodations  were  large  enough  to 
satisfy  any  possible  demands,  and  from  those  quarters  thousands  of  graduates 
went  out,  equipped  with  the  musical  culture  and  the  gracious  influences  re- 
ceived there.  But  their  rooms  proved  too  small  to  gratify  the  ambitious  plans 
of  the  founder  for  improved  and  additional  facilities  for  their  work,  and 


THE  HISTORY  OF  MUSIC  IN  ILLINOIS.  49 

to-day  the  home  of  this  college  is  in  their  own  building,  on  Michigan  Boule- 
vard, where  they  may  boast  the  most  elegant  structure  devoted  exclusively 
to  musical  purposes  in  the  United  States,  if  not  in  the  world.  The  location 
itself  may  be  said  to  be  artistic,  for  it  stands  facing  the  lake,  almost  opposite 
the  Art  Institute,  not  far  from  the  Public  Library  adjoining  the  Fine  Arts 
Building,  that  hive  of  music  and  art.  The  building  is  large  and  elegant,  six 
stories  high,  and  no  expense  has  been  spared  in  so  equipping  every  department 
that  all  material  requirements  shall  be  met  in  the  prosecution  of  their  work. 
During  thirty-seven  years  this  college  has  been  a  center  of  musical  inspira- 
tion, and  has  achieved  more  than  can  be  estimated  in  figures.  Dr.  Florence 
Ziegfeld  is,  and  has  always  been,  the  President  of  the  college,  and  every  de- 
partment receives  the  benefit  of  his  advice  and  long  experience.  He  is  nobly 
aided  by  his  two  sons,  Carl  and  Win.  K.,  the  former  as  secretary  and  treas- 
urer, the  latter  as  manager,  and  their  united  efforts  can  only  crown  with  greater 
and  still  greater  glory  this — Chicago's — oldest  college  of  music.  The  faculty 
has  many  members  of  world-wide  reputation  as  artists  or  as  teachers,  and 
no  teacher  is  selected  without  the  utmost  care.  Proof  of  the  results  achieved 
by  this  college  may  be  gathered  from  the  fact  that  several  pupils  from  Berlin 
and  London  are  now  studying  at  this  school.  Not  only  is  instruction  given 
— both  vocal  and  instrumental — on  every  instrument  which  can  be  named,  but 
there  are  also  classes  in  harmony,  counterpoint,  canon,  fugue,  in  composition 
and  ensemble  playing,  and  so  on  through  every  line  of  study  that  can  benefit 
the  most  ardent  pupil.  In  connection  with  the  college  there  are  schools  of 
opera,  of  acting ;  instruction  is  given  in  fencing,  stage  or  fancy  dancing,  and  in 
foreign  languages. 

Some  of  the  most  prominent  citizens  give  each  year  diamond  medals  to 
those  competing  for  excellence  in  the  various  departments,  and  commencement 
night  at  the  Auditorium,  when  hundreds  are  graduated,  is  a  marked  event. 
Concerts  and  recitals  are  given  with  frequency,  thus  aiding  the  pupil  in  self- 
poise  and  confidence.  This  college  has  about  two  thousand  pupils. 

Dr.  F.  Ziegfeld  has  done  much  for  musical  growth  in  Ilinois.  He  was  born 
in  Jever,  in  the  Grand  Duchy  of  Oldenburg,  where  his  father  had  an  official 
station  at  the  Royal  Court.  He  began  the  study  of  music  in  his  sixth  year. 
Among  his  instructors  and,  later,  his  friends  were  such  masters  as  Mascheles, 
Plaidy,  Popperitz,  Wenzel,  Richter  and  David. 

He  was  a  friend  of  Liszt,  Wagner  and  other  musicians,  and  corresponded 
with  them  for  years.  He  keeps  in  close  touch  with  musical  affairs  in  the  Old 
World,  and  visits  Europe  at  least  once  a  year.  He  made  the  selection  of  the 


50  THE  HISTORY  OF  MUSIC  IN  ILLINOIS. 

artists  for  the  great  Peace  Jubilee  in  Boston,  resulting  in  the  coming  to  this 
country  of  Abt,  Strauss,  Bendel,  Peschka-Leutner  and  other  contemporaneous 
artists.  He  has  been  for  nearly  forty  years  a  resident  of  America,  and  is  a 
prominent  figure  in  its  musical  history.  Not  long  since  he  was  awarded  the 
gold  medal  and  diploma  of  the  Bellini  Royal  Society  of  Letters,  Art  and 
Music,  of  Italy.  His  latest  decoration  is  that  of  the  Chevalier  of  the  Legion 
of  Honor,  of  France,  conferred  by  the  French  Government,  sent  him  by  the 
President  of  France  through  the  French  Consul,  of  this  city.  So  far  as  we 
know,  he  is  the  only  musician  in  America  on  whom  this  honor  has  been 
conferred.  But  among  all  his  decorations  none  is  more  prized  than  a  diamond- 
studded  cross  inscribed  "To  Dr.  F.  Ziegfeld,  from  the  citizens  of  Chicago," 
presented  to  him  Feb.  23,  1891,  on  the  twenty-fifth  anniversary  of  the  found- 
ing of  the  college.  Aside  from  his  work  in  the  college,  Dr.  Ziegfeld  has  been 
prominent  in  public  affairs,  and  was  chairman  of  the  jury  of  piano  and  organ 
awards  at  the  World's  Columbian  Exposition.  He  merits  marked  recognition 
in  the  history  of  music  in  Illinois. 

The  Balatka  Musical  College  is  next,  probably,  in  age  to  the  Chicago  Musi- 
cal College.  It  was  founded  in  1879  by  Hans  Balatka,  whose  name  it  bears, 
and  a  sketch  of  whose  life  may  be  found  in  another  place  in  this  volume.  It 
was  called  at  first  the  Balatka  Academy  of  Musical  Art,  but  under  his  super- 
vision its  growth  was  constant  and  its  work  done  on  broader  lines,  and  it  be- 
came a  leading  school.  Like  other  schools  established  in  the  earlier  years, 
it  has  had  many  homes,  having  been  located  in  the  American  Express  Building, 
Kimball  Hall  and  the  Isabella  Building.  For  some  years  now  it  has  had  its 
quarters  in  the  Le  Moyne  Building,  on  Randolph  St.,  near  State  St.  While  less 
pretentious  in  some  respects  than  many  other  schools,  in  point  of  musical  in- 
struction and  desired  result  this  school  occupies  an  enviable  place  among  the 
music  schools  of  Chicago.  For  twenty-one  years  Hans  Balatka  was  the  head 
of  this  institution,  and  his  artistic  instincts  and  cultured  mind  were  an  in- 
spiration to  every  department  of  the  school.  Many  musical  affairs  conducted 
by  Mr.  Balatka  form  part  of  the  musical  history  of  Chicago  and  America; 
they  gave  him  prominence  before  the  public,  and  have  enshrined  his  memory 
in  many  hearts  throughout  the  land.  He  was  a  busy  man,  an  enthusiastic  lover 
of  music,  devoted  to  his  profession.  His  death,  April  24,  1899,  after  more 
than  fifty  years'  labor  in  the  field  of  music,  was  a  great  loss  to  musical  cir- 
cles in  Chicago,  for  he  was  a  gifted  artist  and  consecrated  to  the  best  advance- 
ment of  the  work  he  loved.  The  end  came  suddenly,  as  the  result  of  heart- 
failure,  so  to  the  very  close  of  his  most  useful  life  he  was  able  to  pursue  his 


THE  HISTORY  OF  MUSIC  IN  ILLINOIS.  51 

known  as  a  courteous  gentleman,  of  gentle  presence,  a  most  scholarly  musician 
and  a  composer  of  merit.  He  was  very  enthusiastic  in  his  ambitions  for  the 
conservatory,  and  its  advancement  was  the  source  of  greatest  gratification  to 
him.  Patiently  for  years  he  had  borne  the  burden  of  failing  health,  and  at 
last,  after  a  brief  illness,  the  useful  life  came  to  a  close  while  still  his  hand 
was  guiding  the  work  he  loved  so  well. 

One  more  school  deserves  special  mention,  since  it  began  its  first  year's 
work  as  a  conservatory  this  year.  It  is  the  Sherwood  Music  School.  This 
school  was  organized  in  1897,  and  has  had  a  most  remarkable  growth,  having 
now  five  hundred  pupils.  Its  quarters  are  attractive  and  commodious  in  the 
Fine  Arts  Building,  which  is  perhaps  the  finest  edifice  in  the  world  given  up 
entirely  to  music  and  the  arts.  The  school  suite  is  so  arranged  as  to  be  avail- 
able for  smaller  recitals,  while  in  four  halls,  varying  in  size,  in  the  building 
larger  recitals  and  concerts  are  held.  The  teachers  are  well  fitted  for  their 
respective  duties,  using  the  best  methods  and  understanding  American  needs 
and  character.  Mr.  Wm.  H.  Sherwood,  the  director,  has  a  world-wide  reputa- 
tion as  a  pianist  of  the  very  first  rank,  and  has  been  a  rarely  successful  teacher, 
some  of  his  pupils  being  recognized  in  the  professional  world  both  in  Europe 
and  America. 

Realizing  how  much  advantage  accrues  from  hearing  the  best  artists,  fre- 
quent opportunity  is  given  the  pupils  to  hear  the  members  of  the  faculty  and 
other  artists.  Among  the  faculty  are  such  favorite  soloists  as  Mr.  Walter  Spry, 
Arthur  Beresford,  Mrs.  Genevieve  Clark  Wilson,  Adolph  Eosenbecker  and 
Holmes  Cowper,  and  this  school  is  certainly  doing  excellent  work  for  the  youth 
of  the  city  and  State. 

There  are  very  many  smaller  schools  and  newer  schools  scattered  through 
the  city,  doing  work  which  would  challenge  comparison  with  that  of  any  of  the 
larger  conservatories,  but  it  is  impossible  to  review  them  at  this  time. 

Among  them  may  be  mentioned  Mrs.  Regina  Watson's  school,  the  Bush  Tem- 
ple Conservatory,  the  Columbia  School,  the  Tomasso  Mandolin  and  Orchestra 
School,  and  many  others.  Enough  has  been  written  to  show  that  even  in  her 
comparatively  brief  history  Chicago  has  attained  very  much  in  the  establish- 
ment of  the  very  best  grade  of  music  schools. 

Recognition  of  the  efforts  of  Maurice  Grau  in  giving  to  the  people  of  Chi- 
cago season  after  season  of  grand  opera  should  find  a  place  in  any  history  of  its 
musical  life.  He  has  given  the  city  opportunity  to  hear  the  best  artists  in 
their  favorite  roles,  and  has  had  a  pride  in  having  every  presentation  of  opera 
as  far  as  possible  above  criticism.  That  he  has  succeeded  in  attaining  his  am- 


52  THE  HISTORY  OF  MUSIC  IN  ILLINOIS. 

bitions  in  a  marked  degree  is  evidenced  by  the  enthusiasm  and  numbers  of  the 
audiences  which  have  availed  themselves  of  the  opportunities  thus  offered.  No 
more  honest  expression  of  appreciation  could  be  given. 

While  the  grand  opera  has  been  presented  at  the  Auditorium,  Henry  W. 
Savage,  at  the  Studebaker,  has  been  providing  entertainments  which  have 
been  a  delight  and  an  education  to  the  public.  He  had  two  aims — first,  the 
production  of  standard  operas,  both  grand  and  light,  in  English  and  at  popu- 
lar prices,  and,  second,  a  plan  of  promotion  which  should  encourage  American 
singers.  In  both  of  these  experiments  he  has  been  remarkably  successful.  He 
opened  with  the  Castle  Square  Company,  which  soon  became  a  favorite  with 
the  public.  The  outgrowth  of  this  was  the  Savage  English  Grand  Opera  Com- 
pany, which  plays  annual  engagements  here  with  a  repertoire  of  seventeen 
operas. 

Last  year  "  La  Tosca "  was  produced  for  the  first  time  in  English,  this 
year  "  Othello,"  and  Mr.  Savage  expects  next  year  to  give  "  Parsifal "  in 
English  with  a  company  distinct  from  his  grand  opera  company.  His  scheme 
of  promotion  has  proved  a  powerful  incentive  to  earnest  work,  and  almost 
all  his  principals  had  their  beginning  in  the  chorus,  and  are  great  favorites 
with  the  Chicago  public.  Between  the  regular  seasons  of  grand  opera  he  has 
produced  several  light  operas,  "  King  Dodo,"  "  Sultan  of  Sulu,"  "  Peggy  from 
Paris  "  and  "  The  Sho-Gun,"  being  presented  now.  Of  these  "  King  Dodo" 
and  "  Prince  of  Pilsen "  are  by  Frank  Pixley  and  Gustav  Luders,  and  the 
other  three  by  George  Ade,  of  Chicago,  with  the  music  of  the  "  Sultan  of 
Sulu  "  by  George  G.  Wathall,  "  Peggy  from  Paris  "  by  Wm.  Lorraine  and  the 
"  Sho-Gun "  by  Gustav  Luders.  They  have  all  had  long  seasons,  and  Mr. 
Savage  has  the  unusual  record  of  having  brought  out  seven  new  musical  at- 
tractions without  a  failure.  The  orchestra  of  the  theatre,  led  by  John  McGhie, 
is  well  trained,  so  that  the  orchestration  is  an  added  pleasure  to  those  at- 
tending performances  at  the  Studebaker.  The  house  is  home-like  and  at- 
tractive, seating  fifteen  hundred  and  seventy-three.  It  is  the  largest  producing 
center  for  musical  plays  in  the  West,  and  has  done  much  for  the  education,  as 
well  as  the  entertainment,  of  the  music-loving  public  of  Chicago  and  Illinois. 

That  Chicago  is  the  home  of  so  many  musicians  of  international  reputa- 
tion is  indisputable  evidence  of  their  estimate  of  the  work  to  be  done  here 
and  the  possibilites  of  the  future.  We  have  already  alluded  to  some  of 
them,  as  Theodore  Thomas,  Carl  Wolfsohn,  W.  H.  Sherwood,  Emil  Liebling 
and  others,  but  a  few  more  deserve  mention,  although  a  oomplete  list  is  quite 
impossible. 


THE  HISTORY  OF  MUSIC  IN  ILLINOIS.  53 

chosen  work.  After  his  death  his  son,  Christian  F.  Balatka,  succeeded  to 
the  directorship.  He  had  been  associated  for  years  in  the  affairs  of  the  col- 
lege as  assistant  director  and  head  of  the  piano  department,  and  had  had  the 
advantage  of  the  companionship  of  his  illustrious  father.  He  has  with  great 
care  and  thought  gathered  about  him  a  competent  corps  of  instructors,  many 
of  them  soloists  holding  high  rank  in  their  profession.  Some  of  the  prominent 
members  of  the  Thomas'  Orchestra  are  members  of  the  faculty,  and  honest,  com- 
petent instruction  on  all  orchestral  instruments  is  assured.  This  college 
quietly,  but  conscientiously,  is  doing  good  work,  and  its  graduates  obtain 
recognition  and  endorsement  in  the  best  musical  circles. 

The  American  Conservatory  of  Music  is  an  American  institution,  fully 
equipped  to  teach  the  art  of  music  in  the  most  practical  and  scholarly  way. 
More  and  more,  American  parents  are  recognizing  the  fact  that  their  children 
can  receive  the  best  advantages  in  their  own  homes,  and  the  American  Con- 
servatory is  a  home  institution  particularly  designed  to  meet  the  requirements 
of  American  musicians  and  appealing  to  our  national  spirit.  The  President 
and  faculty  of  this  school  are  men  and  women  of  liberal  culture  and  ad- 
vanced ideas,  in  sympathy  with  American  life  and  its  demands  and  devoted 
to  their  profession. 

The  American  Conservatory  was  founded  and  incorporated  in  1886,  with 
John  J.  Hattstaedt  as  its  President,  and  endorsed  by  some  of  the  most  prom- 
inent citizens  of  Chicago,  well  known  for  their  liberality  and  devotion  to  music. 
Its  name  was  intended  to  be  significant  of  its  design,  for  it  was  organized  espe- 
cially to  give  to  the  American  student  the  opportunity  to  receive  a  thorough 
education  along  whatever  line  he  may  select.  The  faculty  consists  of  be- 
tween fifty  and  sixty  teachers,  carefully  selected,  many  with  a  national  reputa- 
tion, and  all  with  wide  experience  as  educators.  The  success  of  this  con- 
servatory has  bean  assured  from  the  beginning,  and  some  musicians  well  known 
in  this  part  of  the  country  have  been  graduated  from  this  school.  It  was  for 
years  a  sort  of  belief  that  Chicago  could  not  vie  in  any  respect  with  New 
York  either  in  the  magnitude  or  excellence  of  its  musical  enterprises,  but  the 
time  when  that  was  true  is  long  since  past.  The  standard  of  musical  attain- 
ment is  higher  every  year,  and  the  student  may  have  as  many  advantages  in 
Chicago  as  in  any  of  the  musical  centers  of  the  country.  It  is  to  the  music  col- 
leges and  conservatories  that  this  remarkable  condition  is  to  be  ascribed.  No 
less  an  authority  than  Wm.  H.  Sherwood  has  said  that  he  believed  Chicago 
was  destined  to  become  the  musical  center  of  this  country,  and  the  work  done 
by  the  schools  and  colleges  is  hastening  that  possible  time.  The  American 


54  THE  HISTORY  OF  MUSIC  IN  ILLINOIS. 

Conservatory  is  centrally  located  in  the  Kimball  Building,  corner  of  Wabash 
Ave.  and  Jackson  Boulevard,  and  is  very  easy  of  access  from  all  parts  of  the 
city.  In  addition  to  the  ordinary  equipments  of  such  a  school,  it  has  its  own 
lecture-room,  with  a  fine  two-manual  organ  and  the  use  of  its  recital  halls, 
which  are  in  the  building.  Emil  Liebling,  who  is  connected  with  the  Normal 
Department,  not  only  gives  lectures  pertaining  to  the  piano  but  the  most  val- 
uable "  conversations  "  before  the  students  of  the  conservatory.  It  has  been 
said,  "  In  catholicity  of  musical  culture,  practical  experience  and  felicity  of 
expression  Mr.  Liebling  is  surpassed  by  no  living  American."  Mr.  Hatt- 
staedt,  Mr.  Wiedig  and  others  also  give  courses  of  lectures  to  the  students. 
With  Wilhelm  Middleschulte,  Mad.  Eagna  Linne  and  others  of  like  enviable 
reputation  members  of  its  faculty,  it  is  safe  to  predict  for  this  comparatively 
new  conservatory  a  brilliant  future. 

The  Chicago  Conservatory  was  organized  in  1884  for  the  purpose  of  giv- 
ing opportunity  for  the  highest  class  of  instruction,  and  the  standard  estab- 
lished then  has  been  maintained  during  the  years  of  its  history.  The  large 
faculty  embraces  some  of  the  ablest  instructors  and  most  scholarly  artists  to  be 
found  in  this  country  or  Europe.  The  work  of  the  conservatory  has  been  such 
as  to  win  the  confidence  of  the  public  and  the  musical  world  to  such  a  degree 
that  it  is  easily  recognized  as  one  of  the  leading  institutions  of  the  kind  in 
America.  The  school  averages  about  fifteen  hundred  pupils  in  actual  attend- 
ance, the  number  enrolled  being  somewhat  larger.  It  is  fortunate  in  having 
its  home  in  the  Auditorium  Building,  one  of  the  famous  buildings  of  the 
world.  It  is  within  easy  reach  of  the  Art  Institute,  Public  and  Crerar  Libra- 
ries, and  convenient  to  all  the  leading  theatres  and  opera  houses.  Opportunity 
for  the  pupils  to  make  public  appearances  is  afforded  by  the  beautiful  Audi- 
torium Lyceum  Theatre,  of  which  they  have  the  use.  Every  branch  of  music 
receives  the  most  careful  attention,  and,  as  many  of  the  rooms  were  planned 
especially  for  the  conservatory,  many  advantages  accrue  which  would  be  impos- 
sible in  an  ordinary  structure.  The  Hinshaw  Schools  of  Opera  and  Drama, 
which  are  a  part  of  this  conservatory,  afford  the  best  instruction  for  those  desir- 
ing to  lead  a  professional  life.  Quite  an  unusual  feature  in  such  a  school  is  a 
fine  arts  department,,  where  oil  painting,  water-color,  china  painting,  etc.,  are 
taught.  There  is  also  a  department  for  the  teaching  of  foreign  languages,  and 
physical  culture  receives  special  attention.  Particular  thought  is  bestowed 
upon  the  little  ones,  and  children's  music  forms  no  unimportant  part  of  their 
curriculum.  The  conservatory  has  sustained  a  great  loss  during  the  year  1903 
in  the  death  of  its  director,  Frederic  Grant  Gleason.  Mr.  Gleason  was  well 


THE  HISTORY  OF  MUSIC  IN  ILLINOIS.  55 

To  Mrs.  Caroline  Scott,  a  gentle  woman  of  musical  attainments,  belongs 
the  honor  of  compiling  the  first  anthem  book  ever  published  in  Illinois  and  of 
doing  much  musical  work  in  the  earlier  years. 

A  master  better  known  in  Europe  than  America  is  Bernard  Ziehn.  To 
him  Von  Bulow  advised  the  musicians  of  Europe  to  go  for  instruction,  call- 
ing him  "  the  greatest  theorist  of  music  in  the  world,  whose  judgment  was  be- 
yond question."  The  critics  of  Germany  said  of  his  book  on  harmony  that  it 
was  "  the  work  of  a  genius  that  can  be  recommended  to  any  master  and  dis- 
ciple, teacher  and  pupil."  One  cannot  be  in  his  presence  without  recognizing 
the  fact  that  he  is  a  master  worthy  of  mention  with  those  we  are  taught  to 
revere.  He  is  exceedingly  retiring  in  disposition,  but  his  success  has  been  such 
that  some  of  the  great  artists  of  this  country  feel  pride  in  naming  him  as  their 
instructor. 

W.  S.  B.  Mathews  must  be  recognized  as  a  prominent  figure  in  the 
musical  history  of  Illinois.  It  has  been  said  of  him  that  no  other  man  has 
been  so  successfully  and  extensively  a  teacher  through  the  medium  of  the 
printing-press.  His  text-books  for  both  advanced  and  elementary  pupils  have 
obtained  recognition  throughout  the  country  as  standards,  and  are  in  general 
use.  Besides  these  text-books  he  is  the  author  of  various  books  on  the  his- 
tory of  music  and  kindred  subjects  valuable  to  the  general  student.  He  has 
been  one  of  Chicago's  leading  pianists  and  organists,  and  for  years  was  as- 
sociated with  various  daily  papers  in  Chicago  as  their  music  critic. 

Clarence  Eddy,  of  wide  reputation,  was  at  one  time  Chicago's  favorite  or- 
ganist, and  has  had  a  moulding  influence  on  the  musical  life  of  Chicago 
and,  it  might  be  said,  of  the  West.  He  is  a  scholarly  musician,  a  successful 
teacher,  and  an  accomplished  artist,  and  some  of  his  pupils  have  attained 
most  enviable  reputation. 

Ledochowski,  a  pianist  and  teacher,  whose  playing  may  be  said  to  be 
that  of  a  virtuoso,  and  who  studied  under  one  of  Chopin's  pupils,  has  identified 
himself  with  Chicago  and  become  part  of  its  musical  history. 

Hundreds"  of  cultivated  teachers  are  doing  most  artistic  work  in  their 
various  studios,  who  rarely  receive  the  public  recognition  they  deserve  save 
as  the  world  may  learn  of  them  through  the  success  of  their  pupils.  Scores  of 
notable  men  and  women  have  lent  the  value  of  their  influence  to  the  de- 
velopment of  the  musical  life  in  Chicago  and  Illinois,  but  it  is  impossible  even 
to  name  all  those  who  most  deserve  such  distinction. 

So  far  we  have  written  only  of  the  history  of  music  in  Chicago,  and  to  a 
degree  it  is  also  the  history  of  music  in  Illinois,  they  are  so  interdependent,  but 


56  THE  HISTORY  OF  MUSIC  IN  ILLINOIS. 

mention  should  be  made  of  some  of  the  more  prominent  of  the  many  flourish- 
ing schools  throughout  the  State. 

For  this  wonderful  progress,  of  which  the  foregoing  is  but  a  suggestion, 
has  not  been  confined  to  Chicago,  but  in  every  city,  town  and  village  under  the 
inspiration  of  the  love  of  what  is  artistic  and  beautiful,  -men  and  women  are, 
through  individual  and  concerted  effort,  seeking  for  the  uplift  of  the  com- 
munity in  which  they  live.  They  are  striving  also  to  bring  into  their  own 
lives  the  refining  and  elevating  influences  of  the  best  productions  of  musical  art. 

In  Alton,  Miss  Katherine  V.  Dickinson  has  been  identified  for  several 
years  with  "  music-education  "  in  connection  with  Shurtleff  College,  and  a  list 
of  her  pupils  and  graduates  will  show  that  many  of  them  are  holding  responsi- 
ble positions  as  singers  and  teachers  in  churches,  conservatories  and  schools. 
The  Alton  Conservatory,  with  Ruth  C.  Mills  as  director,  takes  rank  among  the 
first  schools  in  the  State,  as  do  the  music  schools  in  Jacksonville,  Aurora, 
Knoxville,  Springfield,  Joliet,  Galesburg,  Quincy,  Freeport,  and  many  others 
of  equal  excellence  scattered  through  the  State. 

The  Moline  Conservatory  of  Music,  founded  in  1902,  by  Mrs.  Ella  Carter 
Bryant,  enrolled  more  than  one  hundred  pupils  the  first  year,  and  its  subse- 
quent growth  has  been  amazing.  This  conservatory  has  the  advantage  of  the 
co-operation  of  Emil  Liebling.  The  school  in  Sycamore  has  as  a  member  of  its 
faculty  George  J.  Lewis,  who  has  a  studio  in  the  Auditorium,  in  Chicago,  and 
is  an  artist  as  well  as  a  successful  and  popular  teacher. 

Rockford  has  possibly  the  reputation  of  being  as  musical  as  any  city  in 
Illinois,  if  not  the  most  musical.  Its  Mendelssohn  Society,  composed  of 
ladies  organized  for  the  study  and  rendering  of  the  best  music,  has  be- 
come well  known  in  the  musical  circles  throughout  the  State  as  doing  the 
most  unusual  work.  Mrs.  Chandler  Starr,  for  many  years  the  President  of  this 
club,  and  its  accompanist,  is  not  only  a  fine  pianist  and  organist  but  a 
woman  of  superior  musical  scholarship,  of  devoted  love  for  music  and  great 
executive  ability.  She  is  well  known  outside  of  Rockford,  having  been  accom- 
panist at  presentations  of  the  Persian  Garden  and  miscellaneous  programs  in 
other  cities.  She  has  also  received  honors  for  her  musical  work  in  large  and 
important  gatherings.  Twice  a  year  the  Mendelssohn  Society  gives  to  Rock- 
ford  a  program  by  the  best  artists  procurable,  and  twice  a  year  concerts  which 
shall  show  the  public  who  are  deeply  interested  in  their  work  what  they  have 
accomplished  during  the  season.  Of  comparatively  recent  organization  is  a 
chorus  of  young  ladies  identified  with  this  club  who  are  under  the  direction 
of  Harrison  M.  Wild.  He  goes  to  them  every  week  and  feels  great  pride  in 


THE  HISTORY  OF  MUSIC  IN  ILLINOIS.  57 

their  work.  He  feels  that  it  will  soon  bear  comparison  with  that  of  the  Men- 
delssohn Club  of  Chicago,  a  very  great  compliment  from  this  conductor,  whose 
requirements  are  of  the  highest  order. 

Choral  societies  and  various  singing  clubs  in  different  cities  attest  to  the 
desire  for  musical  advancement  all  over  the  State,  and  cheap  transportation 
and  commutation  rates  make  it  possible  for  those  near  Chicago  to  avail  them- 
selves of  its  concerts,  operas  and  other  musical  advantages. 

The  Elgin  Choral  Society  gave  the  "  Messiah  "  this  season  with  great  suc- 
cess, and  similar  societies  elsewhere  do  as  excellent  work.  Sacred  music  has 
not  been  neglected  in  the  years  during  which  the  musical  history  of  Illinois 
has  been  made.  In  no  city,  excepting  possibly  New  York,  will  fine  music  be 
found  in  so  large  a  proportion  of  the  churches  as  in  Chicago,  while  through- 
out the  State  the  traveler  is  impressed  with  the  excellent  choirs,  quartettes  or 
choruses  which  are  the  rule  in  the  churches.  Sacred  concerts  and  organ 
recitals  of  the  highest  order  are  given  on  Sabbath  afternoons,  so  that  oppor- 
tunity is  afforded  to  all  who  desire  to  embrace  it  to  hear  the  choicest  sacred 
music  rendered  in  the  most  artistic  and  impressive  way. 

Chicago  and  Illinois  have  furnished  more  than  would  have  been  expected 
in  the  way  of  composers.  Dr.  Geo.  F.  Boot,  Reginald  de  Koven,  Max  Hein- 
rich,  Emil  Liebling,  F.  G.  Gleason,  Mrs.  Jessie  L.  Gaynor,  Eleanor  L.  Smith, 
Carrie  Jacobs  Bond,  and  many  others  have  made  reputations  for  the  excel- 
lence of  their  compositions  which  are  used  everywhere. 

Not  without  many  struggles  and  much  self-sacrifice  have  the  results  of 
the  present  been  attained.  Pioneer  life  of  any  sort  is  only  poetic  in  the 
retrospect,  and  pioneer  effort  in  the  musical  development  of  any  State  is 
like  all  other  pioneer  work ;  it  means  the  brave  facing  of  obstacles  which  seem 
insurmountable  and  the  overcoming  of  ignorance  and  prejudice,  the  introduc- 
tion of  new  ideas,  the  expenditure  of  individual  monies,  and  a  vast  deal  of 
labor  for  which  no  remuneration  is  received  or  expected.  The  work  that  has 
been  done  so  well  in  the  past  is  being  prosecuted  in  the  present  under  different 
conditions  and  from  a  higher  vantage  ground,  but  it  is  still  the  work  of  uplift 
and  education.  Chicago  to-day  is  the  musical  center  of  a  vast  territory,  her 
schools  and  colleges  receiving  pupils  from  the  coast  to  the  sound,  and  from  all 
over  the  States  which  have  more  recently  sprung  into  existence.  Of  those  who 
laid  the  foundations  many  have  passed  to  the  great  beyond,  but  others  re- 
main to  rejoice  in  the  results  of  small  beginnings,  to  feel  a  pride  in  the  wealth 
of  musical  resources  in  Chicago  and  Illinois. 

The  men  and  women  whose  faces  and  lives  find  place  in  this  volume  have 


58  THE  HISTORY  OF  MUSIC  IN  ILLINOIS. 

been  an  important  part  of  the  history  of  the  years  reviewed.  Their  wealth 
has  made  possible  large  undertakings,  their  influence  has  been  for  the  greatest 
progress  in  the  beautiful  world  of  music  and  art,  or  their  labors  have  been  for 
the  development  in  others  of  the  gifts  which  have  made  them  famous.  As  in 
the  past,  so  in  the  future  we  may  hope  for  the  best  in  the  musical  life  of 
Illinois,  and  hope  confidently,  believing  that  realization,  not  disappointment, 
will  be  the  history  of  the  years  yet  to  come. 


Mutant  Maineg  Carper. 


Militant  Haineg  J|arper. 


William  Rainey  Harper,  President  of  the  University  of 
Chicago,  was  born  in  New  Concord,  Muskingum  county,  Ohio, 
July  26, 1856,  son  of  Samuel  and  Elizabeth  (Rainey)  Harper. 
His  education  was  begun  in  the  United  Presbyterian  College, 
of  his  native  village,  in  which  the  course  of  study  covered  six 
years,  two  being  given  to  preparatory  work,  four  to  college 
studies  proper.  When  eight  years  of  age  he  entered  the  Pre- 
paratory Department,  and,  in  1870,  when  fourteen  years  of 
age,  he  graduated  with  the  degree  of  Bachelor  of  Arts.  As 
the  college  was  largely  a  school  of  preparation  for  those  who 
intended  to  enter  the  ministry  of  the  United  Presbyterian 
Church,  the  study  of  the  Bible  in  Hebrew,  as  well  as  in  Eng- 
lish, was  a  prominent  feature  in  the  work.  The  proficiency  of 
the  youthful  student  in  this  language  was  such  that  when  he 
graduated  he  delivered  his  oration  in  Hebrew,  an  incident 
which,  probably,  had  more  to  do  with  the  shaping  of  his  life 
than,  at  the  time,  he  or  his  friends  imagined. 

After  three  years  spent  at  home  pursuing  favorite  stud- 
ies, in  1873  he  went  to  Yale  University,  where  he  became  the 
earnest  student  of  philology,  under  Prof.  William  Dwight 
Whitney.  His  completion  of  this  period  of  study  was  marked 
by  the  conferring  upon  him  of  the  degree  of  Doctor  of  Phil- 
osophy, in  1875,  when  he  was  nineteen  years  old.  Soon  after 

61 


02  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

this  he  married  Miss  Ellen  Paul,  daughter  of  Dr.  David  Paul, 
then  President  of  Muskinguni  College.  In  the  fall  of  1875, 
he  became  principal  of  the  Masonic  College,  in  Macon,  Tenn. 
From  this  position  he  went  to  Granville,  Ohio,  to  become  a 
tutor  in  the  preparatory  department  of  Denison  University. 
Here  he  at  once  attracted  attention  by  his  enthusiastic  devo- 
tion to  his  work.  He  proved  himself  an  excellent  drillmaster, 
enlisting  the  interest  of  his  students  to  a  marked  degree  and 
arousing  their  ambitions  so  as  to  secure  great  results  in  the 
quantity  and  thoroughness  of  the  wrork  accomplished. 

The  zeal  displayed  by  him,  and  its  attendant  enthusiasm 
among  the  students,  led  to  his  selection  as  principal  of  what 
soon  became  Granville  Academy.  The  President  of  the  Uni- 
versity was  Dr.  E.  B.  Andrews,  and  these  two  progressive 
teachers  worked  together  in  great  harmony  and  secured  from 
their  students  remarkable  results. 

While  in  Granville,  Dr.  Harper  united  with  the  Baptist 
Church,  and  after  three  years  of  successful  teaching,  on  the 
recommendation  of  Prof.  Andrews,  he  became  Professor  of 
Hebrew  and  Cognate  Languages  in  the  Baptist  Union  Theo- 
logical Seminary,  at  Morgan  Park,  111.  At  this  time  two 
thoughts  seemed  to  dominate  him,  one  the  belief  in  the  value 
of  the  inductive  method  in  teaching  languages,  the  other  the 
desire  to  awaken  fresh  interest  in  the  study  of  Hebrew.  These 
ambitions  led  to  the  joint  authorship  of  a  series  of  Latin,  Greek 
and  English  text-books  on  the  inductive  plan,  and  to  the  pub- 
lication of  a  series  of  text-books  in  Hebrew,  the  organiza- 
tion of  Hebrew  correspondence  and  summer  schools  and  the 
publication  of  a  periodical  called  the  Hebrew  Student. 

The  work  of  promulgating  was  carried    on,  not    alone 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  63 

through  the  correspondence  schools,  the  summer  schools  and 
the  Hebrew  Student,  but  also  by  means  of  Bible  lectures  deliv- 
ered in  various  places,  which  made  Dr.  Harper's  name  fa- 
miliar to  all  those  interested  in  Bible  study.  Large  sums  of 
money  were  required  for  the  circulation  of  literature  con- 
nected with  the  work,  and  they  were  often  secured  by  him,  at 
great  personal  sacrifice.  One  result  of  his  work  was  the  or- 
ganization of  the  American  Institute  of  Hebrew,  which  was 
succeeded  by  the  American  Institute  of  Sacred  Literature. 

In  1875,  he  became  Principal  of  the  Chautauqua  College 
of  Liberal  Arts,  and  six  years  later  of  the  Chautauqua  System, 
which  position  he  held  till  1898.  In  1886,  he  became  Profes- 
sor of  Semitic  languages  in  Yale  University.  Here  he  aroused 
great  enthusiasm  among  his  students,  and,  by  means  of  lectures 
in  New  Haven,  New  York,  Boston,  Chicago  and  other  cities, 
and  at  Vassar,Wellesley  and  other  colleges,  created  widespread 
interest  in  Bible  study.  In  1889,  he  had  the  great  honor  of 
being  elected  by  the  authorities  of  Yale  to  the  Woolsey  Pro- 
fessorship of  Biblical  Literature,  thus  holding  two  full  pro- 
fessorships in  the  institution  at  the  same  time. 

In  1891,  he  was  elected  to  his  present  position  as  Presi- 
dent of  the  University  of  Chicago,  and  it  is  interesting  to  note 
how  his  previous  experiences  influenced  him  to  the  organiza- 
tion of  a  new  university  on  a  broad  basis.  One  feature  of  this 
work  which  has  attracted  widespread  attention  is  the  Uni- 
versity Extension  Division,  whose  threefold  plan  of  instruc- 
tion by  means  of  lecture  studies,  correspondence  studies  and 
class  studies  in  the  afternoons  and  evenings  was  only  the  de- 
veloping of  plans  previously  tried  by  him. 

In  like  manner  the  Hebrew  Student,  which  differentiated 


G4  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

iself  into  the  Hebraic  and  the  Old  Testament  Student,  may 
have  suggested  the  publication  in  connection  with  the  Univer- 
sity of  a  series  of  journals  devoted  to  special  departments, 
and  designed  to  furnish  contributions  to  these  several 
branches  of  study. 

While  perhaps  it  may  be  too  early  to  consider  the  in- 
fluence of  President  Harper  in  connection  with  the  University 
of  Chicago,  it  must  be  apparent  that  he  stands  as  one  of  the 
foremost  educators  of  the  century.  We  must  take  into  ac- 
count his  widespread  influence  in  the  University,  in  the  many- 
sided  Chautauqua  work,  in  the  public  school  work  of  the  city 
of  Chicago,  in  the  editorial  work  connected  with  some  of  the 
University  publications,  in  his  frequent  public  lectures  in 
various  parts  of  the  country,  and  in  the  suggestion  and  ad- 
vice which  he  is  constantly  asked  to  give  to  those  who,  like 
himself,  are  struggling  with  the  great  problems  which  con- 
front the  educators  of  to-day. 


ffii*.  'flatter  Calmer. 


MRS.   POTTER    PALMER. 


Mrs.  Potter  Palmer  is  a  representative  woman  of  Amer- 
ica as  well  as  of  Chicago  and  Illinois. 

Twice,  the  distinction  of  her  birth,  social  position  and  re- 
markable ability  have  won  for  her  the  highest  honors  among 
women  of  the  world. 

When  Congress,  in  1891,  created  a  Board  of  Women  Man- 
agers for  the  World's  Columbian  Commission,  Mrs.  Palmer 
was  unanimously  chosen  President.  This  unprecedented  step 
towards  the  advancement  of  women  in  art,  literature,  science 
and  the  industries  found  an  invincible  and  wise  leader  in  their 
President,  whose  report  upon  the  work  accomplished  by  this 
Board  is  a  marvelous  history. 

The  responsibilities  of  such  an  office,  unique  and  untried, 
demanded  an  intelligent,  comprehensive  knowledge  of  the 
mental,  moral,  social  and  physical  well-being  of  women,  as 
well  as  the  customs  and  laws  that  affect  their  lives  from  every 
standpoint. 

Mrs.  Palmer's  record  as  President  of  this  Board  has 
made  history  for  all  time,  so  vital  and  masterly  was  her  grasp 
of  this  epoch-making  period. 

Three  times  did  her  personal  influence  with  the  powers 
that  be  in  Washington  and  in  Springfield,  the  State  capital 

of  Illinois,  gain  concessions  so  gratifying  to  all  that  the  whole 

67 


68  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

Columbian  Commission  presented  Mrs.  Palmer  with  a  reso- 
lution of  thanks  for  her  brilliant  success. 

Several  visits  to  foreign  nations,  personal  interviews  with 
royalty  and  the  leading  minds  of  different  governments, 
brought  instant  recognition  which  worked  colossal  reforms 
in  the  advancement  of  women,  and  placed  Mrs.  Palmer's  name 
as  the  foremost  among  women  for  all  time. 

Through  her  untiring  efforts,  skilled  labor,  so  long  hid- 
den behind  capital,  found  "  honorable  mention  "  in  the 
awards  to  both  men  and  women  during  the  Exposition.  Those 
who  had  the  privilege  of  being  present  at  the  meetings  of  this 
great  body  of  women,  representing  the  minds  and  ideas  of  the 
great  nations  of  the  world,  will  never  forget  those  occasions. 

They  will  recall  with  pride  the  infinite  tact,  marvelous 
memory  for  names  and  faces,  the  perfect  poise  and  great  per- 
sonal beauty,  as  well  as  the  wisdom  and  diplomacy  of  this 
highest  type  of  an  American  woman. 

Force  and  integrity  have  been  shown  in  every  act,  both 
public  and  private,  of  a  life  which  has  borne  the  fiercest  light 
of  public  scrutiny. 

When  Mrs.  Palmer's  name  headed  the  list  of  eighteen 
commissioners  whom  President  McKinley  appointed  and 
whom  Congress  confirmed  to  represent  America  at  the  Paris 
Exposition  of  1900,  it  was  an  official  recognition  of  Mrs.  Pal- 
mer as  the  foremost  woman  in  America.  It  was  a  notable 
fact  that  her's  was  the  only  woman's  name  among  the  na- 
tional commissioners. 

Bertha  Honore,  of  most  distinguished  ancestry,  was  born 
in  Louisville,  Ky.,  but  came  so  early  in  life  to  Chicago  that 
Illinois  claims  her  as  her  own.  Here  she  married  Mr.  Pot- 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  69' 

ter  Palmer,  now  deceased.  He  was  a  retired  merchant,  whose 
sterling  public  and  private  character  was  most  brilliantly 
proven.  He  stood  one  of  the  prominent  men  of  America  for 
brains  and  an  ability  which  gained  for  him  a  second  colossal 
fortune,  after  the  great  fire  swept  away  a  princely  income  in 
a  few  hours. 

Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer's  civic  pride  was  shown  in 
their  encouraging  their  sons  to  enter  a  public  life  in  their  na- 
tive city. 

In  their  superb  home,  with  rarest  tact,  Mrs.  Palmer 
has  given  to  talent  opportunity  to  come  in  touch  with  appre- 
ciative audiences,  opening  her  beautiful  rooms  for  musicales 
which  have  marked  epochs  in  the  history  of  music  in  Chi- 
cago. The  art  gallery  in  this  home  holds  one  of  the  finest 
private  collections  of  pictures  in  the  land.  Near  by  are  price- 
less specimens  of  jade,  ivory  and  crystals,  the  result  of  years 
of  study  and  research  for  the  beautiful  in  art. 

Socially,  Mrs.  Palmer  reigns  supreme.  Charming  in  dis- 
position, loyal  to  those  dear  to  her,  sympathetic  and  ready 
with  words  of  encouragement  and  cheer,  wealth,  political  and 
social  distinction  have  failed  to  change  this  womanly  woman, 
and  she  is  devoted  to  the  friends  of  long  ago,  effacing  every 
thought  of  comparative  position  and  opportunity.  Personal 
aggrandizement  seems  ever  to  be  the  thought  most  remote  in 
all  her  plans,  which  are  made  on  a  scale  which  indicates  the 
largeness  of  her  views  and  the  manner  in  which  she  grasps  not 
so  much  individual  as  world-wide  demands. 

The  history  of  music,  art  and  literature,  not  only  of  Illi- 
nois but  of  America,  will  place  Mrs.  Palmer's  name  at  the  head 
of  those  brave,  notable  women  it  was  her  proud  privilege  to 


70  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

lead  in  one  of  the  most  momentous  times  in  the  world's  his- 
tory, which  future  generations  must  and  will  forever  honor. 

To  be  in  Chicago  and  keep  herself  free  from  the  myriad 
claims  made  by  society,  art,  charity  and  a  thousand  demands 
made  upon  her  time  and  attention,  seemed  the  impossible. 
Quiet  and  rest  from  all  importunity  seemed  imperative,  and 
since  Mr.  Palmer's  death  Mrs.  Palmer  has  spent  most  of  her 
time  in  Europe,  where  she  has  been  a  most  highly  honored 
guest  in  every  place  she  has  visited.  She  has  been  so  many 
times  abroad  that  she  is  thoroughly  at  home  in  the  principal 
cities  of  the  old  world,  and  is  so  accomplished  a  linguist  that 
she  enjoys  conversation  with  the  most  cultured  people  of 
every  land. 

Like  many  another  who  has  risen  to  greatness,  she  seemed 
born  for  a  time  of  special  need,  and  early  began  a  career  of 
usefulness,  waiting  opportunity.  Most  truly  has  it  been  said : 

"  For  a  web  begun  the  gods  find 


RESUME  OF  MRS.  POTTER  PALMER'S  REPORT.  71 


A  RESUME  OF  MRS.  POTTER  PALMER'S  REPORT 
TO  CONGRESS,  AS  PRESIDENT  OF  THE  BOARD 
OF  LADY  HANAGERS  OF  THE  WORLD'S  CO- 
LUMBIAN EXPOSITION. 

In  the  important  Congressional  enactment  authorizing 
and  providing  for  the  administration  of  the  Columbian  Expo- 
sition, the  provision  creating  a  Board  of  Women,  and  assign- 
ing to  the  same  unwonted  duties,  glides  so  quietly  and  un- 
obtrusively into  place  that  no  warning  is  given  of  the  momen- 
tous innovation  it  inaugurates. 

On  re-reading  the  words,  however,  they  arrest  attention. 
Becoming  conscious  of  their  unusual  import,  one  tries  to  dis- 
cern the  intention  lying  behind  them,  the  altered  attitude  of 
the  Government  which  they  indicate  and  the  changes  which 
they  forecast. 

The  silence  of  centuries  regarding  women  is  broken  by 
this  unprecedented  utterance  of  the  Congress  of  the  United 
States. 

It  would  seem  to  furnish  conclusive  proof  of  quickening 
perceptions  on  the  part  of  the  Government ;  to  give  evidence 
of  its  discovery  that  there  exists  a  large  and  responsible  class 
of  citizens,  heretofore  excluded  from  participation  in  national 
affairs,  which  may  on  occasions  be  profitably  called  into  ser- 
vice. In  thus  decreeing  official  administrative  participation 
for  women,  and  in  specifically  stipulating  that  they  appoint 
jurors  to  judge  the  handiwork  of  their  sex,  Congress  has  in  ef- 


72  RESUME  OF  MRS.  POTTER  PALMER'S  REPORT. 

feet  accorded  to  women  the  right  of  direct  representation  as 
well  as  the  further  right  to  be  judged  by  a  jury  of  their  peers. 

These  vital  admissions  once  having,  been  formulated  by 
the  Government,  and  action  upon  them  having  been  put  into 
successful,  even  though  temporary,  operation,  their  underly- 
ing truths  may  be  regarded  as  accepted ;  a  striking  precedent 
has  been  created  and  placed  upon  record  which  will  facili- 
tate their  further  application  and  their  liberal  extension  into 
broader  fields  of  equity. 

In  studying  the  phraseology  of  the  act,  it  is  noted  that  the 
unaccustomed  privileges  embraced  not  only  work  produced 
wholly  by  women,  but  embraced  exhibits  produced  in  part  by 
women. 

This  signal  from  the  Government,  which  indicated  a  faint 
recognition  of  the  anomalous  and  unnatural  position  into 
which  industrial  women  have  been  forced,  together  with  fresh- 
ly awakened  desire  to  be  just  and  helpful  to  her,  elicited  a 
wonderful  response  from  women  all  over  the  world.  It  was  a 
response  which  revealed  the  existence  of  an  entirely  new 
and,  hitherto,  unappreciated  altruistic  force  in  every  commun- 
ity. As  a  result  of  its  efforts,  the  Board  of  Lady  Managers 
of  the  World's  Columbian  Exposition  found  itself  at  the  head 
of  the  most  remarkable  and  powerful  international  organiza- 
tion of  women  that  the  world  has  ever  called  into  being,  and 
acting  under  high  sanctions  that  have  never  before  been  ac- 
corded them. 

The  Woman's  Board  created  by  the  Government  of  the 
United  States  had  co-operating  with  it  thirty  royal  and  im- 
perial women  commissions,  formed  at  its  request  by  the 
Governments  of  Austria,  Belgium,  Brazil,  Cape  Colony,  Cey- 


RESUME  OF  MRS.  POTTER  PALMER'S  REPORT.  73 

Ion,  Cuba,  Denmark,  France,  Germany,  Great  Britain,  Guate- 
mala, Holland,  Italy,  Japan,  Mexico,  New  South  Wales,  Nor- 
way, Sweden,  Russia,  Siam,  Spain,  and  thirty-two  State 
boards  of  American  women,  authorized  and  maintained  by  the 
Legislatures  of  the  various  States. 

Behind  this  official  phalanx  stood  unnumbered  hosts  of 
women  laboring  in  various  industries,  more  or  less  organized 
in  various  groups  and  associations.  There  were  from  thirty 
foreign  countries  two  thousand  four  hundred  and  two  volun- 
tary organizations,  having  a  membership  of  one  million  two 
hundred  and  twenty-eight  thousand  three  hundred  and  three, 
expending  annually  $4,103,400,  and  from  forty-six  of  our  own 
States  and  Territories,  three  thousand  three  hundred  and  sev- 
enty-seven organizations  of  American  women,  with  a  member- 
ship of  three  million  four  hundred  and  eighty-one  thousand 
seven  hundred  and  thirty-one,  expending  annually  $11,889,- 
938.40,  all  endeavoring  to  promote  the  ethical  end  of  civiliza- 
tion. These  unofficial  organizations,  only  a  part  of  the  great 
total  that  existed,  knew  little  or  nothing  of  each  other,  having 
formed  themselves  in  every  part  of  the  world,  in  obedience  to 
a  spontaneous  impulse,  to  accomplish  ends  manifestly  desir- 
able, and  were  themselves  astonished  at  the  showing  they 
made. 

The  Woman's  Building  was  the  first  completed.  Their 
dormitory  was  the  largest  ever  built  by  women  for  women, 
and  was  entirely  managed  by  them,  and,  although  many  hotels 
failed,  their  restaurant  closed  with  a  surplus  in  its  treasury. 
Twelve  hundred  guests  were  housed  daily,  twelve  thousand 
two  hundred  and  ten  women  found  a  home  there,  and  no  sick- 
ness nor  death  occurred  there.  The  invention  or  re-discovery 


74  RESUME  OF  MRS.  POTTER  PALMER'S  REPORT. 

of  the  process  of  underglaze,  by  Miss  Louise  M.  MacLaugh- 
lin,  of  Cincinnati,  through  the  efforts  of  this  Board,  of  Man- 
agers, obtained  recognition,  as  well  as  the  re-discovery  of  ap- 
plying gold  upon  porcelain  (Japan  art),  by  Miss  A.  Healy,  of 
Washington. 

These  may  be  reckoned  among  the  most  important  artistic 
events  in  American  history. 

Space  forbids  more  than  a  glance  at  the  important 
things  accomplished  by  the  united  efforts  of  this  wonderful 
band  of  women,  at  this  time. 

Even  more  important  than  the  discovery  by  Columbus, 
which  we  were  gathered  together  to  celebrate,  is  the  fact  that 
the  general  Government  has  just  discovered  woman.  Having 
revealed  themselves  in  response  to  a  call  from  the  Govern- 
ment, and  having  done  their  utmost  to  forward  its  intentions 
while  organized  under  its  sanction,  this  great  army  of  women 
stands  waiting  a  second  message  of  helpful  import. 

May  they  not  reasonably  hope  for  such  a  call  ? 


cje  jttort  inter  Pullman* 


jftortimer  Pullman. 


In  Brockton,  Chautauqua  County,  N.  Y.,  lived  James 
Lewis  Pullman,  of  whom  George  Mortimer  Pullman,  born 
March  3,  1831,  was  the  third  son.  The  father  was  a  house- 
builder,  a  thoughtful,  reserved  man,  who  had  invented  some 
labor-saving  appliances,  although,  like  many  another  in- 
ventor, he  did  not  reap  much  financial  benefit  from  them.  The 
mother  was  the  daughter  of  James  Minton,  of  Auburn,  N.  Y., 
a  noble  woman,  serene,  cheerful,  loving  and  brave.  Of  her  it 
has  been  said: 


She  met  hosts  of  sorrow  with  a  look 
That  altered  not  beneath  the  frown  it  wore." 


The  family  consisted  of  eight  children,  six  sons  and  two 
daughters,  whose  lives  are  full  of  interest  and  crowned  with 
success.  Ambitious  for  their  children,  the  parents  did  all 
possible  to  aid  them  in  the  best  self-development,  expending 
more  in  this  way  than  many,  in  their  circumstances,  would 
have  thought  they  could.  George  had  all  the  educational  ad- 
vantages available.  He  was  persistent  and  teachable,  practi- 
cal rather  than  brilliant.  At  the  age  of  fourteen  he,  at  least 
partly,  supported  himself  working  as  clerk,  for  which  he  re- 
ceived forty  dollars  a  year.  A  year  later  he  was  employed  in 
his  brother's  cabinet  shop,  in  Albion,  N.  Y.  Who  can  say  but 
that  humble  beginning  indirectly  led  to  the  great  results  he 


78  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

achieved?  for  in  the  Pullman  car  we  find  the  very  acme  of 
devices  for  indoor  comfort.  In  1853,  his  father  died,  not  hav- 
ing been  able  to  hoard  any  resources  for  the  loved  ones  he  was 
leaving.  As  the  oldest  unmarried  son,  he  assumed  the  sup- 
port of  his  mother  and  the  younger  children,  who  needed  care, 
and  most  cheerfully  he  carried  this  burden.  His  mother  lived 
till  1892,  and  for  the  forty  years  of  her  widowed  life  he  was 
her  support  and  stay. 

With  increased  responsibilites  came  the  necessity  for  in- 
creased resources,  and  he  began  the  business  of  house-raising 
on  the  banks  of  the  Erie  Canal.  A  few  years  later  he  was  en- 
gaged in  the  same  business  in  Chicago,  having  maintained  the 
family  and  accumulated  six  thousand  dollars  as  the  beginning 
of  a  fortune.  Some  of  the  largest  building  jobs  ever  at- 
tempted, not  only  in  Chicago  but  in  the  world,  were  attempted 
and  successfully  accomplished  by  him,  and  their  record  fur- 
nishes most  interesting  history. 

But  the  great  achievement  which  made  him  famous  was 
the  invention  of  the  sleeping-car  system.  For  three  years 
he  was  in  Colorado,  attracted  by  the  wonderful  gold  dis- 
coveries made  at  that  time.  As  he  traveled  he  was  greatly 
impressed  with  the  discomforts  of  journeying  at  night.  Cars 
were  then  being  introduced  which  were  an  attempt  at  furnish- 
ing a  better  place  to  rest  than  had  been  known  heretofore. 
The  berths  were,  however,  little  more  than  shelves,  and  in  the 
narrow  cars  poor  ventilation  and  crowded  quarters  were  in- 
evitable. As  he  often  told  the  story,  one  night,  while  making 
a  most  comfortless  trip,  great  possibilities  dawned  upon  him. 
After  his  earnest  solicitation,  the  Chicago  and  Alton  R.  R. 
gave  him  two  old  passenger  cars  to  experiment  on  and  an  old 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  79 

shed  to  work  in,  and  there  he  spent  his  time  and  his  own  money 
till  the  first  pair  of  "  sleepers  "  was  put  on  the  night  train 
between  Chicago  and  St.  Louis.  These  were  fairly  satisfac- 
tory to  those  who  used  them,  but  did  not  realize  the  anticipa- 
tions of  their  builder.  Lured  still  by  hopes  of  gold,  he  re- 
turned to  Colorado,  but  the  thought  of  a  possible  sleeping-car 
was  ever  present,  and,  returning,  he  went  again  to  the  Chi- 
cago and  Alton  R.  R.,  who  gave  him  the  opportunity  to  again 
try,  which  was  all  he  asked  or  needed.  After  a  year's  time 
and  the  expenditure  of  eighteen  thousand  dollars  he  had  built 
a  traveling  palace.  He  named  it  the  "  Pioneer,"  and  to-day 
it  is  carefully  preserved  at  Pullman,  an  interesting  and  valued 
memento  of  the  perseverance  and  the  genius  of  the  man  whose 
reputation  this  invention  made  world-wide.  This  car  was  part 
of  the  funeral  train  when  the  remains  of  the  martyred  Lin- 
coln were  brought  back  to  the  State  which  had  so  proudly 
given  him  to  the  nation.  From  this  time  there  was  no  ques- 
tion as  to  the  demand  for  their  general  use,  and  to-day  they 
are  everywhere,  a  comfort  to  the  traveler,  a  perpetual  monu- 
ment to  George  M.  Pullman. 

Mr.  Pullman's  name  is  connected  writh  many  gigantic  en- 
terprises, such  as  the  New  York  Elevated  Railway,  the  Nica- 
ragua trans-isthmian  canal,  and  others. 

The  great  industrial  experiment  at  Pullman— a  prosper- 
ous manufacturing  town,  full  of  the  spirit  of  enterprise  and 
content— was  regarded  first  with  curiosity,  almost  distrust, 
but  later  with  admiration  by  those  who  from  the  beginning 
watched  its  development  and  success. 

Outside  of  his  business  life,  Mr.  Pullman  was  a  patron  of 
art,  a  lover  of  books,  enjoying  with  zest  the  best  social  life. 


80  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

After  the  great  fire  of  1871,  at  the  solicitation  of  the 
Mayor,  he  became  the  trustee  of  the  world's  money,  which 
poured  in  by  millions,  giving  not  only  his  own  valuable  time, 
but  himself  paying  the  salary  of  the  cashier.  It  was  said 
afterwards  that  no  fund  was  ever  more  sacredly  handled,  not 
a  dollar  being  diverted  from  its  original  purpose. 

In  1867,  he  married  Miss  Hattie  A.  Sanger,  daughter  of 
an  honored  citizen  of  Chicago,  and  their  family  consisted  of 
two  daughters  and  two  sons,  who  were  twins. 

His  death  was  a  great  loss,  not  only  to  those  who  loved 
him  but  to  the  financial  world,  for  his  integrity  was  prover- 
bial, as  was  his  shrewdness  and  his  ability  to  manipulate  great 
enterprises. 


ift*  {tollman. 


s.  Ceorge  ffi.  DuUmatt. 


Mrs.  George  M.  Pullman  bears  a  name  of  international 
importance,  one  which  royalty  has  honored.  Harriet  Sanger 
Pullman  was  born  in  Chicago,  and  is  a  descendant  of  Sir  Rich- 
ard Sanger,  of  England.  Her  grandfather,  David  Sanger, 
and  her  father,  James  Y.  Sanger,  were  fine  types  of  Amer- 
ican men.  Her  father  was  famous  for  projecting  ways  of 
transportation.  The  first  railroad  from  Sacramento  to  Marys- 
ville,  Cal.,  the  Illinois  canal  and  the  Ohio  and  Mississippi 
Railroad  are  monuments  to  his  energy.  It  seemed  only  poetic 
justice  that  Mrs.  Pullman,  with  such  ancestry,  should  share  in 
the  decoration  and  title  of  nobility  conferred  upon  her  illus- 
trious husband,  George  M.  Pullman,  by  King  Humbert  of 
Italy,  who  regarded  him  as  a  benefactor  of  the  human  race. 
His  marvelous  inventions  have  revolutionized  the  entire  sys- 
tem of  travel.  An  audience  from  Queen  Margarete  was  ex- 
pressive of  her  appreciation.  Mrs.  Pullman's  private  car 
furnished  transportation  for  Eulalie  during  her  visit  to 
America.  Mrs.  Pullman  is  a  great  traveler,  and  generally 
shares  this  pleasure  with  her  friends.  While  in  Mexico  she 
was  entertained  by  President  Diaz:  and  his  wife. 

Shortly  after  their  marriage,  in  1867,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pull- 
man built  their  present  Chicago  home.  They  spent  their 

summers  on  Pullman  Island,  in  the  St.  Lawrence,  in  their  love- 

83 


84  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

ly  home  at  Long  Branch,  N.  J.,  or  in  foreign  travel.  In  their 
elegant  Chicago  home  many  distinguished  guests  have  been 
made  welcome,  among  them  Prince  Leopold,  Queen  Vic- 
toria's son.  In  return  for  this  courtesy  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pull- 
man were  entertained  both  at  Buckingham  Palace  and  Staf- 
ford House  during  the  life  of  the  first  duchess.  Gen.  Grant 
and  family,  Gen.  Sheridan  and  other  army  people  formed  a 
house  party  given  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pullman  on  their  island 
in  the  St.  Lawrence.  Pullman,  that  city  of  miracles,  lying 
on  the  banks  of  the  Calumet,  was  the  scene  of  a  most  unique 
entertainment,  characteristic  of  the  hospitality  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Pullman,  nearly  one  thousand  guests  being  entertained  at  din- 
ner. In  their  Chicago  home,  filled  with  all  that  wealth  and 
taste  can  suggest,  art  and  artists  have  been  welcome.  Near 
this  house  stands  a  statue  presented  to  Chicago  by  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Pullman,  commemorating  the  massacre  of  Fort  Dear- 
born. While  Mrs.  Pullman  was  one  of  Chicago's  acknowl- 
edged belles,  she  never  courted  social  notoriety,  but  her  gen- 
erous patronage  of  all  art  is  well  known.  Her  intense  love  of 
music  and  art  has  filled  her  home  with  means  of  gratifying  her 
taste.  A  magnificent  pipe-organ,  fine  piano,  old  tapestries, 
ivory  carvings  and  paintings,  create  an  atmosphere  in  which 
artists  delight  to  revel.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pullman  were  born 
two  daughters  and  two  sons.  Mrs.  Pullman's  character  is 
best  revealed  in  her  devotion  to  her  husband,  children  and 
mother,  and  in  the  love  with  which  she  is  regarded  by  those 
who  have  been  in  her  service  many  years. 


iilrs.  iftarsfiall  JFteUr, 


,  fftarsfjall  JTtdtr, 


To  make  a  home  radiant  with  happiness,  to  so  direct  her 
children  that  they  shall  be  equipped  for  life's  experiences, 
to  keep  herself  in  touch  with  what  is  loveliest  in  music  and 
art,  and  be  an  inspiration  to  those  she  loves  best,  are  some  of 
the  purposes  which  are  moulding  the  life  of  Mrs.  Marshall 
Field,  Jr. 

Mrs.  Field,  whose  maiden  name  was  Albertina  Huck,  was 
born  in  Chicago,  in  1873.  Her  mother,  Clara  (Kenkel) 
Huck,  was  of  German  descent,  a  fact  in  which  Mrs.  Field  has 
the  most  loving  pride.  Mrs.  Huck  is  remembered  by  many  in 
this  city  for  her  beauty  and  versatility  of  talent.  Practical, 
a  model  housekeeper  and  devoted  mother,  she  was  gifted  with 
a  lovely  voice,  and  sang  with  exquisite  charm.  Her  life,  of 
which  the  memory  is  tenderly  cherished,  closed  when  her 
daughter  Albertina  was  fourteen  years  of  age,  but  she  has 
still  lived  in  the  hearts  of  her  children,  an  ideal  to  be  attained. 
From  her  mother  Mrs.  Field  inherits  both  the  practical  and 
the  artistic  thought  of  life.  In  her  home  she  is  conversant 
as  to  every  detail,  not  in  a  superficial  way,  but  intelligently, 
because  under  her  mother's  supervision  she  was  taught  to  do 
each  task  herself.  After  her  mother's  death  she  was  edu- 
cated abroad,  and  it  was  on  the  steamer,  when  en  route  to  de- 
vote herself  to  the  study  of  art,  that  she  met  Mr.  Marshall 


88  BIOGEAPHWAL    SKETCH. 

Field,  Jr.  As  many  another  time,  Cupid  laughed  at  the  plans 
of  the  girlish  student,  and  (1890)  she  was  married  to  Mr. 
Field.  Since  her  marriage  she  has  lived  much  of  the  time 
abroad,  although  she  has  repeatedly  returned  to  this  country. 
She  has  three  children,  two  sons,  the  older  ten  years  of  age, 
and  a  little  daughter  still  in  her  babyhood. 

To  these  children  and  her  home  she  is  giving  the  best 
hours  of  her  life;  in  them  she  finds  her  greatest  happiness, 
and  for  them  she  cherishes  her  highest  ambitions.  Social 
duties  necessarily  claim  her  attention,  but  it  is  not  Mrs. 
Field's  ambition  to  be  in  any  degree  a  leader  of  society.  She 
devotes  some  time  to  music,  which  she  studied  under  Mad. 
Marches!  in  Paris. 

She  is  very  fond  of  both  painting  and  drawing,  in  which 
she  received  excellent  instruction  in  Dresden.  She  is  par- 
ticularly interested  in  portrait  and  miniature  work,  and  is 
about  to  resume  her  studies  in  this  direction.  Mrs.  Field's 
two  sisters  are  both  married  and  live  abroad;  one,  Baroness 
Kunowski,  lives  in  Germany,  the  other,  Marquesi  Spinola,  in 
Italy.  Her  only  brother  is  living  in  the  West. 

Mrs.  Field  is  a  great  favorite  in  Chicago  society,  which 
would  gladly  accord  her  a  prominence  which  she  does  not  de- 
sire. She  is  a  beautiful  woman,  yet  apparently  unconscious 
of  her  charms ;  a  womanly  woman,  gracious  in  her  hospitality, 
devoted  to  the  claims  of  home,  feeling  that  the  noblest  crown 
a  woman  can  wear  is  that  of  a  consecrated  wif  ehood  and  moth- 
erhood. 


Austen  ».  tre  Blob,  WJ.ffl.,  MJB. 


AUSTEN  K.  de  BLOIS. 


3ustw  E.  tre  Elms,  t3fj.  13,, 


Austen  K.  de  Blois  was  born  at  Wolfville,  Nova  Scotia, 
thirty-seven  years  ago.  He  is  a  descendant  of  an  old  French 
family,  which  gave  its  nair.c  to  the  castle  and  city  of  Blois, 
near  Paris.  His  immediate  ancestors  resided  in  England, 
and  he  is  nearly  related  by  marriage  to  the  late  Lord  Wm. 
Kennedy,  the  Marquis  of  Ailsa,  Admiral  Austen,  of  the  Brit- 
ish Navy,  and  Jane  Austen,  the  celebrated  novelist.  Dr.  de 
Blois  has  been  a  devoted  student  from  boyhood,  and  was  grad- 
uated from  the  various  schools  with  which  he  was  connected 
at  an  exceptionally  early  age.  Graduating  from  Horton 
Academy  at  the  age  of  fourteen,  he  entered  Acadia  College, 
N.  S.,  from  which  he  was  graduated  in  1886.  After  traveling 
abroad,  he  entered  Brown  University,  Providence,  R.  I.,  from 
which  institution  he  received  the  degree  of  Master  of  Arts,  in 
1886,  and  that  of  Ph.  D.  in  1889.  His  theological  studies  were 
prosecuted,  first  at  the  Episcopal  Divinity  School,  in  Philadel- 
phia, and  later  at  the  Newton  Baptist  Theological  Seminary. 
In  June,  1900,  he  married,  and,  with  his  bride,  again  visited 
Europe  to  study  and  to  travel:  At  the  University  of  Berlin 
he  was  a  student  of  Paulsen,  Ebbinghaus  and  Zeller,  in  phil- 
osophy, and  of  Harnack,  in  church  history.  Immediately 
upon  his  return  to  America,  Dr.  de  Blois  was  called  to  the 

Vice-Principalship  of  the  Union  Baptist  Seminary,  St.  Mar- 

91 


92  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

tins,  New  Brunswick,  and  a  few  months  later  became  its 
Principal. 

In  1894,  Dr.  Kendrick  resigned  the  Presidency  of  Shurt- 
leff  College,  Upper  Alton,  111.,  and  so  great  had  been  Dr.  de 
Blois'  success  in  the  management  of  the  Seminary  at  St. 
Martins  that  at  once,  by  a  unanimous  vote  of  the  governing 
body  of  the  college,  he  was  tendered  the  position,  an  offer  he 
accepted.  This  invitation  was  a  marked  recognition  not  only 
of  his  scholarship  but  of  his  executive  ability,  which,  in  view 
of  the  fact  that  he  was  but  twenty-seven  years  of  age,  was  a 
most  exceptional  compliment.  For  five  college  years  he  held 
this  position,  and  then  accepted  the  pastorate  of  the  First 
Baptist  Church,  Elgin,  111.,  where  he  remained  about  four 
years.  The  record  of  his  pastorate  there  was  one  of  such 
achievement  that,  in  the  early  part  of  1903,  he  was  invited  to 
become  the  successor  of  Eev.  P.  S.  Henson,  D.  D.,  as  pastor  of 
the  First  Baptist  Church,  of  Chicago,  a  position  he  still  holds. 
While  it  is  too  early  to  speak  of  what  he  may  accomplish  in 
this  field,  during  the  brief  year  he  has  so  endeared  himself  not 
only  to  the  members  of  the  church  but  of  the  community,  that 
it  is  safe  to  predict  that  the  future  will  only  emphasize  the  his- 
tory of  the  past. 

Dr.  de  Blois  has  written  two  books,  "  Bible  Study  in 
American  Colleges  "  and  "  The  Pioneer  School."  He  has 
traveled  extensively,  having  made  four  long  visits  to  England 
and  the  Continent. 

Franklin  College  gave  him  the  honorary  degree  of  LL.  D. 
Few  men  in  so  few  years  have  accomplished  so  much,  his  ver- 
satility of  talent  giving  him  great  opportunity  for  achieve- 
ment. 


JHrs.  &. 


X7 

U-, 


Among  those  well  known  in  the  best  social  circles  of 
Chicago,  no  one  is  a  greater  favorite  than  Mrs.  Albert  Arnold 
Sprague.  Shunning  notoriety,  she  is  still  always  the  cordial, 
gracious  hostess  and  a  guest  welcome  everywhere. 

Nancy  Atwood  was  born  in  Barnard,  Vermont,  the  home 
of  her  parents,  Ebenezer  Atwood  and  Elvira  (Tucker)  At- 
wood. She  was  educated  in  the  common  schools  and  in  the 
Eoyalton  Academy,  Vermont.  September  29,  1862,  she  was 
married  to  Mr.  Albert  Arnold  Sprague  and  came  to  Chicago, 
where  her  home  lias  been  ever  since. 

Pond  of  music,  she  devoted  herself  to  its  study  in  her 
earlier  life,  and  her  home  has  always  been  a  favorite  rendez- 
vous for  musical  people. 

Mrs.  Sprague  is  in  no  sense  of  the  term  a  club-woman. 
She  is  a  Colonial  Dame,  but  not  an  active  member  of  the  or- 
ganization. She  has  a  bright  and  appreciative  intelligence, 
is  intuitive  in  her  judgments,  practical  in  her  occupations, 
with  unusual  capacity  for  details.  •  She  is  lofty  in  her  ideals, 
with  conscientious  discrimination  between  right  and  wrong, 
fastidious  in  her  tastes,  with  a  keen  sense  of  humor.  Loyal 
in  her  friendships,  tender  in  her  affections  and  sympathies, 
Mrs.  Sprague 's  greatest  pleasure  lies  in  ministering  to  those 
about  her,  helpful  to  those  whose  lives  come  in  touch  with 


QG  BIOGRAPHICAL     SKETCH. 


her  own.  The  integrity  of  her  motives  is  apparent;  she  is 
resourceful  and  free  from  vanity  and  affectation.  She  has 
had  exceptional  advantages  of  travel,  having  been  abroad 
repeatedly.  A  lover  of  the  beautiful,  she  has  collected  many 
lovely  souvenirs  in  this  country  and  in  the  old  world.  These 
she  has  arranged  in  her  home,  where  they  are  objects  of  in- 
terest to  those  whose  privilege  it  is  to  see  them. 

Keeping  pace  with  the  trend  of  the  age,  Mrs.  Sprague 
aims  to  wield  an  influence  for  the  upbuilding  of  right,  and 
stands  as  a  lover  and  promoter  of  music  and  art  and  all  the 
enterprises  which  make  for  cultivation  and  refinement.  Her 
most  coveted  distinction,  however,  is  to  excel  as  a  home- 
maker,  and  those  who  know  her  best  accord  her  this  honor. 

Mrs.  Sprague  is  one  of  the  most  modest  of  women,  and 
nothing  is  more  distasteful  to  her  than  to  know  that  she  is 
the  subject  of  public  notice  even  in  the  most  friendly  way. 

Happy  in  her  home,  helpful  to  those  about  her,  Mrs. 
Sprague  is  an  excellent  example  in  the  various  walks  of  life 
of  the  best  type  of  American  womanhood. 


KALPH    KilERSOX. 


Maty!)  Emerson. 


Among  those  connected  with  the  industrial  history  of 
Illinois  none  are  more  honorably  known  than  Mr.  Ralph 
Emerson,  of  Rockford.  Old  citizens  remember  who  rescued 
the  infant  industries  of  Rockford  when  they  seemed  likely 
to  be  crushed  out,  in  the  fifties,  by  wealthy  rivals  of  other 
places. 

Mr.  Emerson  was  born  May  3, 1831,  in  Andover,  Mass.  His 
father  belonged  to  a  distinguished  family,  his  father  and  the 
father  of  Ralph  Waldo  Emerson  being  cousins.  When  only 
twenty  years  of  age  he  came  to  Bloomington,  Illinois.  He 
soon  moved  to  Beloit,  Wis.,  and  in  1852  to  Rockford,  where  he 
now  lives.  He  became  a  partner  of  Hon.  Wait  Talcott,  who, 
with  his  family,  had  settled  on  the  shores  of  Rock  River  in 
1838.  In  1858  he  was  married  to  Adaline  E.  Talcott,  daughter 
of  above,  and  from  their  home  have  gone  forth  some  of  the 
most  beautiful  and  helpful  influences  of  Rockford  social  life. 
Ralph  Emerson  is  the  only  survivor  of  those  engaged  in  the 
famous  J.  H.  Manny  and  McCormick  case.  He  was  a  mem- 
ber of  the  firm  of  the  defense  which  paid  Abraham  Lincoln 
his  first  large  cash  retainer.  Edwin  M.  Stanton,  later  made 
Secretary  of  War  by  Lincoln,  was  the  leading  lawyer  em- 
ployed by  the  defense,  and  it  was  during  the  progress  of  the 
trial  that  the  two  men  became  acquainted. 


100  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

He  has  been  prominently  connected  as  President,  Vice- 
President,  Trustee,  sole  owner  or  otherwise,  with  the  organiza- 
tion and  working  of  over  forty  manufacturing,  commercial, 
agricultural,  educational,  financial  and  other  enterprises,  some 
of  national  reputation.  These  enterprises  include  such  in- 
terests as  the  manufacture  of  agricultural  implements,  knit- 
ting machines,  cotton  goods  and  woollen  goods,  the  develop- 
ment of  two  insurance  companies,  two  national  banks,  two 
electrical  companies.  Of  some  of  the  most  important  enter- 
prises he  still  retains  active  control.  His  insight,  dispassion- 
ate judgment  and  quick  perception  render  his  advice  val- 
uable, while  his  devotion  to  his  gifted  wife  reveals  a  warm 
heart. 

The  name  of  Ealph  Emerson  will  occupy  a  foremost  place 
in  the  permanent  history  not  only  of  Eockf  ord  but  of  Illinois. 


tne  lEHiabctlj  (Calcatt)  (Emerson. 


MRS.   EMERSON. 


£Uraline  fEUiafcetf)  (Calcott)  IBmerswt* 


Quiet  and  unobtrusive,  a  womanly  woman,  a  loyal  wife 
and  devoted  mother,  possessing  a  quick  sympathy  with  the 
aspirations,  the  achievements,  the  sorrows  of  others !  Such  is 
the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Few  women  in  Illinois  have  had  more  honors  bestowed 
upon  them,  or  have  been  more  closely  connected  with  the  lead- 
ing social,  literary  and  public  achievements  of  the  State,  than 
has  Mrs.  Ralph  Emerson,  who  has  made  Rockford,  111.,  her 
home  since  1857.  Mrs.  Emerson  was  born  October  12,  1837, 
in  Vernon,  Oneida  County,  New  York,  and  is  the  daughter  of 
Hon.  Wait  Talcott  and  Elizabeth  Ann  (Norton)  Talcott. 
Her  ancestors  extend  back  to  Alfred  the  Great,  Charlemagne, 
and,  through  the  Nortons,  to  the  French  ancestor  De  Norvile, 
who  married  into  the  house  of  Valois,  and  came  into  Eng- 
land with  King  William  the  Conqueror,  and  was  his  Con- 
stable. 

When  nineteen  years  of  age  she  graduated  in  the  class  of 
1856  at  Rutger's,  New  York  City,  under  the  chancellorship  of 
Rev.  Dr.  Ferris,  President  of  Columbia  College,  and  Dr.  Van 
Norman,  President  of  Rutger's.  She  was  a  student  of  music 
under  the  late  Prof.  George  F.  Root  and  Prof.  Daniel  N. 
Hood,  but  in  later  years  she  has  devoted  more  time  to  literary 

research  and  various  kinds  of  literary  work. 

IDo 


104  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

Married  on  September  7, 1858,  to  Mr.  Ralph  Emerson,  at 
that  time  a  partner  in  business  with  her  father,  the  Hon.  Wait 
Talcott,  she  has  been  prominently  identified  with  him  in  all 
the  social  and  great  industrial  development  of  Rockford  for 
practically  half  a  century. 

The  rearing  of  a  family  of  six  children  occupied  her 
closely  at  home  for  many  years,  but  even  these  family  cares 
did  not  prevent  her  being  a  companion  of  her  husband  in  his 
many  travels  and  excursions  all  over  America  and  Europe. 
In  the  principal  cities  of  England,  France,  Germany,  Swit- 
zerland and  Italy  she  feels  very  much  at  home,  having  spent 
months  in  Paris,  Florence  and  Rome,  and  over  a  year  at  one 
time  in  Munich. 

This  life  abroad  familiarized  her  with  many  peoples,  and 
as  she  was  brought  in  touch  with  various  public  enterprises, 
having  daughters  with  her  studying  music  and  painting,  it 
was  in  some  sense  to  her  as  well  a  student  life.  Intensely  in- 
terested in  every  line  of  literary  and  art  achievement,  not  only 
in  a  general  way  but  in  its  detail,  she  returned  to  her  native 
land  greatly  enriched  in  thought  as  the  result  of  her  observa- 
tions. The  clubs  for  whom  she  has  outlined  courses  of  study 
and  to  whose  interests  she  has  devoted  herself  have  been 
greatly  indebted  to  her  for  the  fund  of  information  thus 
gained. 

Of  an  enthusiastic  nature,  feeling  a  pride  in  the  success 
of  her  husband  and  interesting  herself  in  the  best  enterprises 
of  the  city,  delighted  with  everything  which  means  advance- 
ment, whether  in  musical  work  or  the  encouraging  of  young 
artists,  or  lending  the  benefit  of  her  experience  to  aspirants 
for  literary  fame,  she  has  gladly  interested  herself  in  all  such 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  105 

efforts.  Anioug  such  enterprises  as  she  has  helped  to  sus- 
tain may  be  mentioned  the  Mendelssohn  Club,  of  Rockford, 
a  club  which  has  won  for  itself  a  widespread  reputation  for 
the  rare  excellence  of  its  work.  She  has  also  been  connected  as 
a  patron  with  the  Art  Institute,  of  Chicago,  from  its  begin- 
ning; nor  is  her  affiliation  one  only  in  name,  for  she  is  most 
thoroughly  cognizant  of  the  work  done  and  is  ambitious  for  its 
future. 

The  family,  consisting  of  five  daughters  and  a  son,  inher- 
ited much  talent  from  their  gifted  parents.  One  daughter, 
Mrs.  Belle  (Emerson)  Keith,  is  an  artist,  who  has  studied 
under  the  most  able  professors  in  New  York  City,  also  for 
years  with  Professor  Carl  Marr,  in  Munich,  and  Professor 
Lazar,  in  Paris.  Mrs.  Keith's  sketches  and  paintings  have 
been  uniformly  accepted,  and  are  favorably  known  in  art  ex- 
hibits both  in  Chicago  and  in  New  York  City. 

A  son,  Ralph  Emerson,  Jr.,  when  only  twenty-three  years 
of  age,  was  instantly  killed  while  heroically  protecting  from 
the  ravages  of  fire  his  father's  property  in  Rockford.  As  a 
young  man  he  had  already  shown  a  rare  executive  ability. 
Mrs.  Emerson  prepared  a ' '  Memorial  ' '  for  her  son,  a  work  of 
love  which  was  grief's  solace.  Some  years  afterwards  she 
published  a  second  volume,  "  Love-bound  and  other  Poems." 
These  books  have  attracted  much  attention  and  widespread 
commendation,  and  may  be  found  in  some  of  the  best  public 
libraries  in  our  land.  While  busy  with  her  pen,  with  family 
cares  and  myriad  social  obligations,  Mrs.  Emerson  has  still 
found  time  to  be  identified  with  many  of  the  best  organiza- 
tions of  the  nation.  She  is  a  member  of  the  Society  of  Amer- 
ican Authors,  of  New  York  City,  The  Fortnightly,  The  Twen- 


106  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

tieth  Century  Club  and  The  Antiquarians,  of  Chicago;  The 
Monday  Club,  of  Rockf  ord,  111. ;  The  Illinois  State  Federa- 
ation,  Daughters  of  the  American  Revolution  (founder  of  the 
Rockf  ord  Chapter),  and  charter  member  of  the  Colonial 
Dames  of  America  in  the  State  of  Illinois,  Society  of  May- 
flower Descendants,  and  Colonial  Governors,  Founders  and 
Patriots. 

By  reason  of  her  culture,  catholic  spirit  and  rare  executive 
ability,  Mrs.  Emerson  has  been  called  upon  repeatedly  to  oc- 
cupy for  long  periods  of  time  positions  of  great  importance  in 
philanthropic,  patriotic  and  social  organizations,  not  only  in 
the  city  but  in  the  State  and  national  societies,  represent- 
ing some  of  them  as  delegate  at  international  conventions  in 
America,  Paris  and  London. 

At  the  time  of  the  organization  of  the  Army  and  Navy 
League,  during  the  late  Spanish  war,  Mrs.  Emerson  received 
appointment  from  the  Governor  of  Illinois  to  a  responsible 
position.  In  1900  she  was  appointed  by  Governor  Tanner, 
of  Illinois,  as  an  Associate  Commissioner  to  the  Paris  Ex- 
position. 

Notwithstanding  the  fact  that  she  has  held  so  many  prom- 
inent positions,  Mrs.  Emerson  is  never  more  happy  than  in 
her  own  home  circle  with  loved  ones  about  her,  enriching 
all  with  the  brightness  of  her  intellect,  the  breadth  of  her 
thought,  the  culture  of  her  mind.  Such  a  life  blesses  and  in- 
spires all  who  come  in  touch  with  it. 


.  JFrettcfj. 


:.  &.  jFrencJj. 


Prof.  W.  M.  E.  French  is  the  Director  of  the  Art  Insti- 
tute of  Chicago,  the  most  important  art  institute  of  the  West, 
taking  rank  with  the  Boston  Art  Museum  and  the  Metropoli- 
tan Museum,  of  New  York.  It  was  founded  in  1879  as  the 
result  of  Mr.  French 's  efforts,  and  he  has  been  its  only  Direc- 
tor. It  includes  a  museum  of  art  and  a  school  of  art,  occupy- 
ing a  fine  building  on  the  Lake  front. 

The  museum  includes  extensive  collections  of  paintings 
and  sculpture  and  decorative  objects,  while  the  school  offers 
instruction  in  drawing,  painting,  sculpture,  decorative  draw- 
ing and  architecture,  and  last  year  had  eighteen  hundred  and 
three  students  and  sixty-five  instructors. 

Mr.  French  is  curator  of  the  collection  and  principal  of 
the  school.  He  is  a  lecturer  of  the  University  Extension 
courses  of  the  University  of  Chicago,  and  has  been  known  as 
a  popular  lecturer  for  twenty  years.  He  was  born  at  Exeter, 
N.  H.,  and  educated  at  Phillips'  Academy  and  Harvard  Col- 
lege, graduating  in  1864.  In  1867  he  removed  to  Chicago, 
where  he  has  been  ever  since,  except  for  trips  to  Europe  or  the 
East.  Until  1875  Mr.  French  was  engaged  in  the  practice  of 
civil  engineering  and  landscape  gardening. 

As  a  lecturer  his  success  has  been  phenomenal.  The  pe- 
culiar and  attractive  feature  of  Mr.  French's  lectures  is  their 

109 


110  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

abundant  illustration  by  large  extemporaneous  sketches, 
drawn  on  paper  before  the  audience,  in  color  and  crayon., 
Among  the  subjects  of  his  lectures  are  the  following:  "  The 
Wit  and  Wisdom  of  the  Crayon,"  "An  Hour  With  the  Cari- 
caturists," "  Conventional  Art  in  Pictures  and  Decoration," 
"A  Knack  of  Drawing,  Natural  or  Acquired,"  "  The  Value 
of  a  Line  "  and  "  The  Innocency  of  Vision." 

Possibly  "  The  Wit  and  Wisdom  of  the  Crayon  "  is  as 
popular  as  any  of  Mr.  French's  lectures,  and  may  be  taken  as 
an  example  of  his  method.  It  treats  of  the  analogies  between 
literature  and  art  with  such  readiness  of  address,  such  swift- 
ness and  profusion  of  illustration,  that  even  every  child  listens, 
watches  and  understands.  In  it  he  draws  thirty  or  forty  pic- 
tures, including  faces,  figures,  animals,  landscapes,  etc.  He 
has  lectured  in  almost  every  city,  large  and  small,  from  New 
York  to  Kansas  City;  before  Chautauqua,  Lakeside,  Round 
Lake,  and  other  assemblies ;  at  Cornell  University,  New  York, 
and  always  holds  his  audiences  so  delighted  and  interested 
in  what  he  says  and  does  that  they  are  reluctant  to  have  him 
close.  Wherever  he  has  been,  the  press  notices  have  been  most 
flattering,  giving  him,  without  question,  the  foremost  place  as 
an  art-lecturer.  His  quick  wit,  fascinating  manner  of  pre- 
senting and  elaborating  propositions  and  his  marvelous  use 
of  the  crayon  unite  to  make  him  one  of  the  most  instructive 
and  entertaining  lecturers  of  the  day.  Mr.  French  belongs 
to  a  well-known  family.  He  is  a  brother  of  Daniel  C.  French, 
whose  "  Minute  Man,"  at  Concord;  group  of  "  Death  and  the 
Sculptor  "  and  "  Colossal  Statue  of  the  Republic  "  at  the  Co- 
lumbian Exposition,  are  widely  known. 


Jllrs.  Silarren 


No  woman  of  her  age  in  Chicago,  probably  in  America, 
has  attempted  and  achieved  so  much  along  so  many  lines  as 
has  Mrs.  Warren  Springer,  whose  work  in  literary  and  art 
circles,  and  whose  championship  of  the  new  industrialism  are 
most  widely  known. 

Art  as  Ruskin  thought  it  out,  work  as  Carlyle  preached  it 
—that  is  her  doctrine.  Someone  has  said—"  Mrs.  Springer  is 
that  doctrine."  A  lecturer  of  note,  a  most  versatile  writer, 
expressing  herself  with  the  strength  of  conviction,  yet  with 
the  elegance  of  culture,  she  impresses  her  audience  and  wins 
her  readers  to  admiration  of  her  ability  and  belief  in  her  ut- 
terances. Mrs.  Springer  was  born,  March  27,  1871,  in  New- 
ark, Ohio.  Her  father,  John  V.  Maginnis,  was  a  native  of 
the  North  of  Ireland,  a  descendant  of  one  of  the  oldest  and 
proudest  families  of  Ireland.  Her  mother  was  Mary  F.  Fer- 
guson, a  great-granddaughter  of  Major  Ferguson,  one  of  the 
first  six  in  Pennsylvania  to  sign  the  membership  roll  in  the 
Oincinnatus,  of  which  he  was  a  promoter.  He  was  killed  by 
an  Indian,  near  Fort  Recovery,  Ohio,  in  1791. 

Mrs.  Springer  was  educated  in  a  convent,  and  when  but 
a  girl  began  to  be  interested  in  the  great  problems  of  the  day; 
She  is  one  of  the  board  of  managers  of  the  National  Society, 
Daughters  of  the  Revolution,  as  well  as  State  Regent  of  the 


114  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 


Illinois  Society,  and  is  identified  with  general  club  work.  Her 
keenest  interest,  however,  centers  in  industrial  reform,  and 
for  its  success,  as  editor  of  The  New  Industrialism,  and  in 
other  ways,  she  has  been,  and  is,  most  actively  engaged. 

Dr.  Oscar  L.  Triggs,  of  the  University  of  Chicago,  has 
dedicated  his  book,  "  Chapters  in  the  History  of  the  Arts  and 
Crafts  Movement,"  to  her,  on  account  of  her  devotion  to  the 
cause.  She  holds  membership  in  the  Chicago  Press  League, 
and  is  one  of  the  active  organizers  of  the  "  Fields  and  Work- 
shops Society,"  which  is  international  in  its  scope,  and  has 
on  its  membership  lists  the  strongest  minds  in  the  country. 

Mrs.  Springer  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  of  women,  as 
has  been  written—"  with  the  sort  of  beauty  of  which  Euskin 
dreamed  when  he  thought  of  the  queen  in  the  queen's  gar- 
den;" yet  no  air  of  self-consciousness  reminds  one  that  she 
values  her  beauty.  She  has  a  fair,  youthful,  patrician  coun- 
tenance, large  violet  eyes  and  hair  of  silvery  white.  Her 
sweetness  of  expression  and  charm  of  manner  win  for  her  the 
admiration  of  those  who  meet  her,  the  love  of  those  who  know 
her.  Exceedingly  original  in  her  thought,  it  is  a  delight  to 
hear  her  speak  either  from  the  platform  or  in  private  life,  for 
she  always  has  something  to  say  well  worth  saying.  While 
the  most  gracious  courtesy  is  ever  present,  she  has  no  hesi- 
tancy in  voicing  her  most  positive  convictions. 

With  charming  presence  and  pleasant  voice,  she  is  a  most 
fascinating  lecturer,  and  her  audiences  realize  from  the  time 
she  begins  to  speak  the  treat  in  store  for  them.  While  so  deep- 
ly interested  in  questions  which  are  claiming  the  most  seri- 
ous attention  of  the  savants  of  the  day,  Mrs.  Springer  is  an 
intensely  womanly  woman.  Her  dainty  satire  and  keen  wit 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  115 

'ive  zest  to  her  most  ordinary  conversation,  but  she  is  inter- 
ested in  the  beautiful,  rare  and  the  unique,  and  covets  its  pos- 
session. Her  dining-room  is  the  most  artistic  in  Chicago,  and 
;eems  with  riches  in  ancestral  pewter,  priceless  china,  match- 
.ess  homespun  linen  and  antique  copper  and  silver  vessels,  the 
iccumulation  of  centuries.  There  are  few  women  so  well 
versed  in  all  things  antique  as  Mrs.  Springer,  and  it  is  an  edu- 
cation to  listen  to  her  as  she  talks  of  colonial  times  and  cus- 
;oms,  while  her  own  fancies  lend  a  charm  to  history. 

"  I  like  to  think,"  she  said,  "  that  those  dear  old  grand- 
mothers of  ours  wove  their  own  integrity  into  these  linen 
;loths.  They  have  the  sterling  endurance  of  those  pioneer 
ivomen."  Among  her  treasures  is  an  old-fashioned  cabinet, 
crowded  with  willowware,  with  ancient  blue  dishes,  etc.,  all 
icirlooms  from  her  great-grandmother.  Three  pieces  of  early 
Delft,  for  which  she  paid  fifteen  hundred  dollars,  are  con- 
;ained  in  this  wonderful  collection.  A  mahogany  table,  with 
i  century  or  two  of  years  its  dower,  and  a  collection  of  all  sorts 
>f  rare  curias,  are  Mrs.  Springer's  delight.  Possibly  her  most 
valued  possession  is  an  immense  four-posted  bed,  on  which 
George  Washington  slept,  and  to  reach  which  she  climbs  steps 
placed  by  the  side  of  the  bed.  Revering  the  antique,  her 
thoughts  constantly  recur  to  the  great  questions  of  life,  and 
;o  their  elucidation  she  is  devoting  herself.  Proud  of  her  an- 
cestry, her  greater  pride  is  in  the  possibilities  of  the  present 
md  their  achievement,  and  she  has  written  and  spoken  with 
so  much  wisdom  that  one  can  hardly  realize  that  such  utter- 
mces  are  those  of  a  woman  still  in  her  youth. 

She  is  recognized  as  a  generous  antagonist,  firm  in  her 
>wn  convictions,  yet  believing  in  absolute  freedom  of  thought. 


116  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

Always  enthusiastic  in  whatever  she  undertakes,  thinking 
seriously  and  anxious  as  to  result,  her  sense  of  humor  is  keen, 
and  her  merry  laugh  is  often  heard  to  the  discomfiture  of  her 
opponents  and  the  delectation  of  her  adherents. 

The  history  of  her  short  life  is  replete  with  interest,  but 
when  the  records  of  what  this  century  has  wrought  for  hu- 
manity are  gathered  up,  no  name  will  be  more  honored  than 
that  of  Mrs.  Warren  Springer. 


.  fames  K. 


fames  K. 


One  of  the  most  delightful  studios  in  Chicago,  with  its 
many  artists  and  many  studios,  is  that  where  Mrs.  James  R. 
McKay  works,  quietly  bringing  out  of  shapeless  clay  forms  in- 
stinct with  beauty— we  had  almost  said  life. 

Mrs.  McKay  is  the  daughter  of  Nathan  Mears,  of  Mas- 
saclmsetts,  who  came  to  Chicago  in  1850.  She  graduated  from 
St.  Mary's  School,  in  Burlington,  N.  J.,  and  finished  her  school 
training  at  Mrs.  McAuley  's,  in  New  York  City.  She  was  mar- 
ried June  19,1867,  and  has  five  children — Mrs.  McKay  LeRoy, 
Mrs.  Albert  W.  Goodrich,  Mr.  James  M.  MacKay,  Robert  M. 
MacKay  and  Nathan  M.  MacKay.  She  has  always  been 
deeply  interested  in  all  forms  of  art  and  in  the  study  of  lan- 
guages. Having  spent  much  time  abroad,  she  has  had  fine 
opportunity  to  study  the  best  in  the  realms  of  art  and  to  per- 
fect herself  in  the  study  of  languages. 

She  has  devoted  some  attention  to  painting,  having  stud- 
ied with  Laurence  Earle,  Miss  Ella  White,  of  Pasadena,  Cal., 
and  others.  Modeling,  however,  appealed  to  her  most  strong- 
ly, and  in  it  she  has  achieved  her  greatest  success.  She  has 
studied  this  line  of  art  with  Leopold  Bracony  and  August 
Rodin,  of  Paris.  Her  work  impresses  one  at  once  as  most 
artistic  and  conscientious.  In  her  studio  are  plaques  bear- 
ing the  faces  of  her  father  and  mother,  busts  of  her  husband, 


120  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

two  of  her  sons  and  her  daughter,  Mrs.  McKay  Le  Roy,  whose 
recognized  beauty  she  has  most  exquisitely  reproduced. 

Her  work,  while  stamped  with  the  individuality  of  the 
subject,  has  a  daintiness  of  finish  and  a  grace  of  pose  which 
bespeak  the  artist. 

Statuettes— a  French  maid,  another  of  a  Carlsbad  milk- 
maid, and  a  third  of  a  golfer— are  all  wonderfully  well  done, 
and  evince  the  versatility  of  talent  which  produced  them,  the 
characteristics  of  each  being  carefully  preserved  and  every 
detail  made  effective. 

Among  other  work  one  easily  recognizes  Mrs.  Peter 
Dunne,  and  the  pose  in  a  small  head  of  John  Drew  is  mar- 
velously  lifelike. 

Mrs.  McKay  does  not,  however,  confine  herself  to  work 
in  the  studio,  much  as  she  enjoys  it.  She  is  the  President  of 
the  Reception  Committee  of  the  Cercle  de  1 'Alliance  Fran- 
gaise,  and  gave  the  first  entertainment  for  the  Salon  Fran- 
gaise. 

She  is  also  Hon.  Vice-President  of  the  Dante  Alighieri 
Society,  and  very  few  scrap-books  of  an  American  woman  in 
private  life  contain  as  many  cards  and  letters  of  illustrious 
foreigners  as  do  Mrs.  McKay 's.  While  receiving  honors  from 
those  who  represent  other  nations,  Mrs.  McKay  is  proud  of 
her  American  ancestry,  and  is  a  member  of  the  Daughters  of 
the  American  Revolution. 

Such  women  as  Mrs.  McKay  are  an  inspiration  to  the  best 
womanhood  of  any  land.  Crowned  with  silvery  hair,  with 
queenly  presence  and  gentle  grace,  she  lives  her  artist  life  in 
her  studio,  yet  home  and  society  are  enriched  by  the  results 
of  her  rare  experience  and  study. 


Jfertrtnantr 


Jfertrman& 


No  one  man  in  the  city  of  Chicago  has  done  more  for  the 
advancement  of  music,  art  and  literature  than  has  Ferdinand 
W.  Peck.  While  he  has  always  contributed  liberally  of 
money,  time  and  energy  to  works  of  benevolence  and  public 
interest,  the  advancement  of  music  and  art  has  also  been  pro- 
nounced in  his  lifework.  He  conceived  and  carried  to  a  suc- 
cessful conclusion  the  Chicago  Opera  Festival,  which  gave  for 
the  first  time  in  Chicago  the  presentation  of  grand  opera  fully 
and  elaborately  at  popular  prices.  Out  of  this  success  came 
the  thought  which,  realized,  produced  the  Auditorium.  This 
building  was  designed  and  constructed  under  Mr.  Peck's  per- 
sonal supervision,  and  he  alone  financed  the  colossal  undertak- 
ing. 

For  twelve  years  he  was  its  President,  till  the  pressure 
of  other  public  and  private  affairs  induced  his  retirement. 
He  was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Illinois  Humane  Society, 
and  for  many  years  its  President,  and  he  introduced  in  Chi- 
cago the  horse  ambulance.  He  has  served  as  Vice-President 
of  the  Board  of  Education,  and  as  President  of  the  Union 
League  Club.  He  was  one  of  the  founders  and,  for  several 
years,  the  President  of  the  Chicago  Athenaeum,  which  has 
steadily  grown,  and  now  holds  a  prominent  place  in  edu- 
cational work.  He  was  exceedingly  active  in  the  efforts  early 

123 


124  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH 

put  forth  to  secure  for  Chicago  the  World's  Columbian  Ex- 
position, and  was  appointed  as  a  member  of  the  commission 
sent  by  the  United  States  Government  to  Europe  in  behalf  of 
the  Exposition.  He  was  First  Vice-President  of  the  Corpora- 
tion, Chairman  of  the  Finance  Committee,  and  a  member  of 
the  Board  of  Reference  and  Control.  He  was  prime  mover 
in  the  erection  of  the  Confederate  monument  at  Oakwoods 
Cemetery,  which  did  so  much  toward  bringing  about  a  frater- 
nal feeling  between  the  North  and  the  South. 

In  1898,  he  was  appointed  by  President  McKinley  U.  S. 
Commissioner  to  the  Paris  Exposition  of  1900.  To  this  work 
he  brought  the  valuable  experience  acquired  during  his  vari- 
ous connections  with  the  Columbian  Exposition.  There  is  no 
doubt  but  that  to  the  organization  under  his  control  and  per- 
sonal supervision  is  due  the  marked  success  which  attended 
the  participation  of  the  United  States  in  this  great  exhibit. 
Mr.  Peck  has,  in  connection  with  these  large  undertakings, 
been  associated  with  many  movements  which  have  stood  for 
the  advancement  of  his  native  city  and  the  amelioration  of  its 
needy  ones.  He  is  a  man  of  wide  sympathies,  and  no  deserv- 
ing object  appeals  to  him  in  vain.  A  busy  man,  grappling 
ever  with  most  practical  problems,  he  is  known  as  a  patron  of 
art  and  a  lover  of  music.  He  has  never  sought  for,  neither 
will  he  accept,  a  public  position  for  emolument.  The  public 
good  and  the  advancement  of  those  objects  which  speak  for 
the  higher  things  in  life  have  been  the  motives  prompting  his 
every  effort. 


ffiv*.  $,  ©. 


In  every  community  there  are  women,  as  well  as  men, 
whose  names  we  come  to  recognize  as  identical  with  uplift- 
ing effort  and  fresh  aspiration  in  the  realms  of  art,  literature, 
music  and  science. 

Often  they  do  not  covet  such  heraldry,  yet  so  ever-present 
and  so  potent  is  their  support  and  patronage  that,  without  it, 
failure  and  dismay  would  overtake  those  who  are  most  active 
in  the  organizing  of  such  enterprises. 

History,  in  this  age,  centers  more  than  ever  about  indi- 
vidual lives,  and  is  now,  as  always,  a  mosaic  of  people  and 
events,  in  which,  however,  the  latter  seem  often  the  subservi- 
ent. Into  this  sort  of  history,  women,  the  leaders  in  society, 
the  most  charming  mothers  and  wives  in  our  homes,  are  being 
woven  more  and  more  conspicuously.  This  is  not  by  acci- 
dent, but  is  because  of  their  persistent  influence  for  the  great 
advancement  of  all  pertaining  to  art,  literature  and  science, 
and  the  happy  results  they  have  achieved.  Quite  fitting, 
it  seems,  that  to  such  women  should  be  accorded  a  sort  of 
leadership  in  establishing  a  demand  for  the  best  which  the 
world  of  music  and  art  can  offer,  and  wonderfully  have  they 
risen  to  the  requirements  of  a  position  which  is,  perhaps,  more 
often  admitted  than  expressed. 

Among  such  women  in  the  city  of  Chicago,  it  is  a  pleas- 

127 


128  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

lire  to  recognize  the  right  of  Mrs.  H.  O.  Stone  to  a  place  in  the 
foremost  rank. 

Mrs.  Stone  was  formerly  Miss  Elizabeth  Yager,  of  Clif- 
ton Springs,  New  York,  but  ever  since  her  marriage  to  Mr. 
H.  O.  Stone  she  has  made  Chicago  her  home,  identifying  her- 
self with  its  interests  and  progress.  She  is  a  most  devoted 
lover  of  music,  and  has  not  been  contented  with  being  able  to 
gratify  her  own  taste  in  this  direction  in  her  beautiful  home, 
but  has  been  specially  interested  in  having  the  best  artists 
come  to  Chicago  with  their  best  work. 

To  this  end  she  has  been  a  generous  supporter  of  every- 
thing which  reached  the  highest  standard  of  musical  excel- 
lence, and  has  lent  the  charm  of  her  cultured  presence  for 
years  to  all  the  finest  operas  and  choicest  concerts.  Not  only 
is  she  a  lover  and  a  patron  of  music,  but  all  forms  of  art  ap- 
peal to  her  most  strongly.  She  has  surrounded  herself  with 
art  treasures  from  every  land,  with  curios  rare  and  exquisite, 
with  lovely  and  dainty  souvenirs  of  her  travels.  She  has  also 
in  her  home  works  of  great  masters,  which  are  silently  elo- 
quent as  to  her  taste  and  her  knowledge  of  what  is  most  to  be 
desired  in  the  realms  of  the  artistic  and  the  beautiful. 

Mrs.  Stone  may  not,  perhaps,  recognize  the  extent  of  her 
influence  in  music  and  art  circles,  but  it  is  potent  in  many  a 
studio,  recognized  in  many  a  concert  room  in  this  city,  destined 
to  become  an  art  center. 


®urtiaa. 


€{)aunceg  Curtiss, 


Charles  Chauncey  Curtiss  was  born  in  Chicago,  July  31, 
1847.  His  father,  Hon.  James  Curtiss,  was  a  lawyer,  much  en- 
gaged in  public  affairs  and  twice  Mayor  of  that  city.  In  1854, 
he  purchased  three  thousand  acres  near  Champaign,  111.  This 
became  a  model  country  estate,  and  was  visited  by  many  dis- 
tinguished men  from  abroad.  It  was  here  that  Charles 
Chauncey  Curtiss  spent  his  childhood,  receiving  impres- 
sions which  have  influenced  his  life.  The  death  of  hi<5  father, 
in  1859,  with  financial  affairs  so  involved  as  to  necessitate  the 
selling  of  the  fnrm,  brought  the  boy  face  to  face  with  life's 
realities.  He  moved,  with  his  mother,  into  Champaign,  and 
attended  the  public  school  for  two  years,  when  he  was  obliged 
to  begin  work.  He  obtained  a  place  as  messenger  in  the  local 
telegraph  office,  receiving  twelve  dollars  a  month.  Studying 
at  home,  he  cultivated  a  literary  taste  and  gained  general 
knowledge.  Presently  he  secured  a  clerkship  in  a  dry-goods 
store.  When  the  Civil  War  broke  out,  he  was  anxious  to  en- 
list, but  his  youth  prevented  \mtil,  in  1864,  when  less  than  sev- 
enteen years  of  age,  he  enlisted  in  Company  B,  135th  Illinois 
Infantry,  organized  for  one  hundred  days'  service.  After- 
wards he  obtained  a  clerkship  in  the  Ordnance  Department, 
at  Nashville.  In  April,  1866,  he  returned  to  Chicago,  was  em- 
ployed in  a  dry-goods  store,  and  later  secured  a  position  as 

bookkeeper  with  Lyon  &  Healy. 

lol 


132  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

After  the  Chicago  fire,  in  1871,  he  founded  a  music  pub- 
lishing house  (Chandler  &  Curtiss),  and  soon  was  elected  the 
first  secretary  of  the  Apollo  Musical  Club,  of  Chicago,  of  which 
he  was  one  of  the  organizers.  Ill  health,  in  1881,  compelled  his 
retirement  from  business.  In  October,  1881,  he  organized  the 
firm  of  Curtiss  &  Mayer,  managers  of  the  Weber  piano  busi- 
ness in  Chicago,  for  whom  was  built  "  The  Weber  Music  Hall 
Building,"  the  first  exclusively  art  and  studio  building  in  the 
city,  from  the  success  of  which  grew  the  plan  of  the  Fine  Arts 
Building.  Meantime  the  firm  of  Curtiss  &  Mayer  was,  in 
1890,  dissolved,  and  Mr.  Curtiss  organized  the  Manufacturers' 
Piano  Company,  of  which  he  was  President  until  1895,  when, 
for  three  years,  he  devoted  his  splendid  energies  and  abilities 
to  perfecting  this  scheme  until  the  great  Fine  Arts  Building 
was  completed.  This  wonderful  edifice  created  a  new  art  cen- 
ter. It  is  the  magnum  opus  of  its  founder,  whose  devotion 
to  art  is  thus  crowned  in  a  brilliant  manner. 

In  private  life  Mr.  Curtiss  is  a  valued  citizen  and  cher- 
ished friend.  Four  visits  to  Europe  have  broadened  and 
quickened  a  mind  alive  to  the  best  in  art  and  literature.  A 
domestic  rather  than  a  club  man,  he  is  still  a  member  of  the 
Loyal  Legion,  Chicago  Literary  Club,  Chicago  Historical  As- 
sociation, American  Historical  Association,  American  Archae- 
ological Association,  "  The  Players,"  of  New  York,  and  the 
Glen  View  and  Edgewater  Golf  Clubs.  Everywhere  he  has 
secured  the  respect  and  esteem  of  associates. 


s,  Cfjarles  ft. 


MKiS.    CHABLKS    II.    DEEBE. 


.  Cfjarles  & 


In  a  lovely  home  in  Moline,  111.,  with  the  pleasantly 
suggestive  name  "  Overlook,"  is  a  cultured,  home-loving 
woman,  whose  influence  is  felt  in  that  city  for  all  that  means 
achievement  of  the  beautiful  and  good. 

Tn  Newbury,  Vermont,  August  9, 1841,  Mary  Little  Dick- 
inson was  born.  Her  parents  were  Gideon  Dana  and  Judith 
Tappan  (Atkinson)  Dickinson.  She  was  very  early  taken 
to  Boston,  Mass.,  which  was  her  home  till  her  eleventh  year, 
when  she  moved  to  Chicago,  where  she  resided  till  her  mar- 
riage. There  is  no  question  but  that  in  early  childhood  the 
most  indelible  impressions  of  life  are  made.  No  doubt  those 
years  in  the  New  England  center  of  culture  had  a  potent  in- 
fluence upon  the  tastes  and  character  of  the  child,  whose  later 
life  has  revealed  her  aspirations  for  the  best  in  the  realms  of 
music,  art  and -all  forms  of  beneficence  as  well. 

Her  school  life  was  spent  in  Chicago,  where  she  received 
the  best  educational  advantages  the  city  afforded,  and  was  a 
member  of  the  first  class  graduated  from  the  Dearborn  Sem- 
inary, of  that  city.  After  leaving  school  she  devoted  much 
attention  to  the  study  of  music  under  the  tuition  of  Paul 
Becker,  who,  at  that  time,  was  considered  the  finest  teacher 
of  music  in  Chicago.  Later  she  married  Charles  H.  Deere, 
one  of  the  most  prominent  manufacturers  of  Moline,  111.,  and 

moved  to  that  city,  where  she  still  resides. 

135 


136  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

She  is  not  a  club  woman,  so  far  as  taking  an  active  part 
in  club  work  would  make  her  one,  but  she  is  interested  in 
the  best  work  done  by  them,  and  is  a  member  of  the  Fort- 
nightly. 

Her  ancestry  was  represented  in  the  war  of  the  Amer- 
ican Revolution,  a  fact  in  which  she  has  a  natural  pride.  As 
a  result,  she  is  interested  in  the  perpetuation,  through  their 
descendants,  of  the  memory  of  those  heroes  of  the  long  ago. 
For  the  past  eight  years  she  has  been  Regent  of  the  Moline 
Chapter  of  the  Daughters  of  the  American  Revolution,  and 
State  Regent  since  February,  1901. 

Mrs.  Deere  is  interested  in  all  the  social  enterprises  of 
Moline,  and  is  conscientious  in  the  discharge  of  the  duties  de- 
volving upon  her  in  her  church  relations.  She  is  very  fond 
of  travel,  and  has  greatly  enjoyed  the  unusual  opportunities 
she  has  had  for  making  wide  observation  and  research  in 
many  lands.  She  has  been  abroad  three  times,  and  to  her 
beautiful  home  has  brought  many  rare  and  exquisite  sou- 
venirs of  her  extensive  travels.  A  modest  and  retiring 
woman,  feeling  that  her  home  is  her  kingdom,  she  is  a  great 
favorite  in  social  circles,  and,  if  she  could  be  persuaded  to  ac- 
cept them,  would  be  given  many  official  honors  in  the  various 
societies  of  the  city  where  she  lives. 

As  it  is,  her  influence  is  felt  in  all  enterprises— art,  edu- 
cational, social  or  charitable— and  her  quiet  endorsement  is  a 
recognition  most  highly  valued. 


Ctitoarlr  jfarbts 


lr  JJarbis 


Almost  identical  with  the  progress  of  the  best  enter- 
prises of  Quincy,  111.,  is  the  name  of  Edward  Jarvis  Parker. 
Endowed  with  financial  genius,  rare  executive  ability  and 
absolute  integrity,  his  counsel,  opinions,  as  well  as  his  ser- 
vices, have  been  valuable  in  affairs  of  magnitude  and  impor- 
tance. It  is  impossible  even  to  name  all  the  organizations 
with  which  he  has  been  associated  in  any  brief  sketch  of  his 
life.  He  has  had  extensive  affiliation  with  large  banking 
concerns;  with  the  City  Bank  of  Hartford,  Conn.;  in  1863 
with  L.  &  C.  H.  Bull's  Bank  in  Quiney,  111.,  and  later  with 
the  following  banks  in  the  same  city: 

In  1865  he  was  Director  and  ex- Assistant  Cashier  of  the 
Merchants'  and  Farmers'  National  Bank;  1873-1878  con- 
nected with  the  bank  of  E.  J.  Parker  &  Co.,  which,  in  1878,  was 
consolidated  with  L.  &  C.  H.  Bull;  in  1892  Director  and 
Cashier  of  State  Savings,  Loan  &  Trust  Co. ;  and  1903  Direc- 
tor, Cashier  and  Secretary  of  the  same  corporation.  In  con- 
nection with  the  banking  business,  he  was,  for  many  years, 
a  director  and  the  Treasurer  of  the  Quiney  Paper  Co.,  after- 
wards absorbed  by  the  American  Straw  Board  Co.;  Treas- 
urer for  years  of  the  Quiney,  Omaha  and  Kansas  City  Rail- 
way Co.;  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Improve- 
ments of  the  Board  of  Commerce.  He  has  been  President 

139 


140  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

of  the  Quincy  Boulevard  and  Park  Association  since  its  in- 
corporation in  1888;  President  of  the  American  Park  and 
Outdoor  Art  Association ;  Member  of  the  American  Forestry 
Association ;  Director  of  the  Quincy  Horse  Railway  and  Car- 
rying Co.,  and  the  Quincy  Gas  Light  and  Coke  Co. 

Mr  Parker  is  the  Vice-President  of  the  Chamber  of 
Commerce,  on  the  advisory  board  of  the  National  Business 
League  of  Chicago,  a  member  of  the  Chicago  Club.  He  was 
Vice-President  for  Illinois  at  the  second  session  of  the  In- 
dianapolis Monetary  Conference,  and  has  done  work  in  con- 
nection with  the  State  Bankers'  Association  of  Illinois  and 
the  American  Bankers'  Association.  But  not  alone  to  the 
world  of  finance  has  Mr.  Parker  devoted  his  energies.  Re- 
ligious and  philanthropic  enterprises  have  greatly  interested 
him.  He  has  held  several  ecclesiastical  positions,  and  as- 
sisted in  the  division  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  Illinois. 
Since  its  incorporation,  he  has  been  the  Treasurer  of  Bless- 
ing Hospital,  and  is  Trustee  and  Treasurer  of  the  Lindsay 
Church  Home.  For  many  years  he  has  been  the  Senior 
Warden  in  the  Church  of  the  Good  Shepherd,  Quincy,  and 
Director  and  Treasurer  of  the  Woodland  Cemetery  Associa- 
tion. 

In  1888  he  married  Miss  Elizabeth  Goodwin  Bull,  a 
native  of  Quincy,  and  their  home  is  a  delightful  center  of 
culture  and  generous  hospitality.  Mr.  Parker's  widespread 
influence  is  always  for  the  upholding  of  the  right,  and  he  is 
beloved  and  respected  by  the  community  which  has  given 
him  such  prominence  and  bestowed  upon  him  so  many  proofs 
of  its  confidence. 


Caglor  Bird). 


,  JIucjTj  Caglor  Bird). 


The  great  influence  wielded  by  Mrs.  Hugh  Taylor  Birch 
upon  the  highest  musical  life  in  Chicago  is  well  known.  For 
years  her  home  has  been  the  center  of  notable  musical  events. 
None  have  exceeded  her  in  generosity  or  fine  judgment  in  pre- 
senting great  artists  and  their  work.  Her  superb  music-room 
has  also  always  been  open  to  rising  young  artists  who  wished  a 
hearing  before  the  best  audience  that  wealth  and  fine  social 
position  could  command.  Carreno,  Harold  Baiier,  Marteau, 
Bendix  and  his  string  quartette,  are  among  those  who  have 
charmed  society  in  these  ideal  surroundings. 

Frequently,  with  exquisite  taste,  she  has  arranged  these 
programs  with  such  skill  as  to  call  forth  the  approbation 
of  Theodore  Thomas  and  other  experts  in  this  difficult  task. 
Her  personal  contributions  to  the  entertainments  of  the  Ama- 
teur Club  have  been  in  fine  taste  and  of  importance  in  cre- 
ating the  high  standard  of  that  club. 

Herself  devoted  to  piano  music,  Mrs.  Birch  has  gathered 
about  her  the  great  pianists,  violinists  and  'cellists  with  whom 
she  has  played  for  years,  keeping  in  touch  with  all  the  finest 
music. 

Mrs.  Birch  was  born  in  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  her  maiden  name 
being  Maria  Root.  There  she  was  educated  until  1875,  when 

she  went  to  Europe  to  pursue  her  study  of  music.    In  Berlin 

143 


144  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

she  had  the  rare  advantage  of  private  lessons  from  Theodore 
Kullak,  who  was  then  at  the  head  of  his  famous  conserva- 
torium,  in  that  city.  During  her  residence  in  Paris  and  her 
visits  to  Bayreuth,  London,  Vienna  and  other  cities,  it  was  her 
good  fortune  to  meet  and  hear  the  world's  great  artists  in 
their  own  homes,  where,  restraints  being  thrown  aside,  days 
and  hours  never  to  be  forgotten  were  perhaps  the  inspiration 
as  well  as  compensation  of  her  efforts  to  develop  music  as  an 
art  in  Chicago. 

The  close  friendship  it  has  been  Mrs.  Birch's  privilege  to 
enjoy  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Theodore  Thomas  has  been  fraught 
with  most  gratifying  experiences,  both  in  Mr.  Thomas'  sum- 
mer home,  in  the  White  Mountains,  and  in  Chicago.  No 
greater  proof  of  Mrs.  Birch's  impress  upon  musical  life  could 
be  given  her  than  the  voluntary  dedication  to  her  by  Theodore 
Thomas  of  his  orchestral  arrangement  of  "  Rheingold."  It 
reads,  "Fragments  from  Wagner's  '  Rheingold,'  arranged  for 
the  Chicago  Orchestra  by  Theodore  Thomas  for  the  special  de- 
lectation of  Mrs.  Hugh  T.  Birch.  Felsengerten,  1901."  This 
is  indeed  a  compliment  the  finest  musician  in  the  land  might 
covet,  and  is  a  distinction  enjoyed  and  appreciated  by  Mrs. 
Birch. 

Mrs.  Birch  has  two  children,  a  daughter  and  son.  The 
daughter,  Miss  Helen  Birch,  has  already  shown  such  won- 
derful talent  for  composition  that  some  of  Chicago's  best 
musicians  predict  for  her  a  future  as  one  of  the  great  woman 
composers  of  the  age.  Though  but  a  young  girl,  her  songs, 
which  belong  to  the  distinctly  modern  school,  are  impressive 
and  artistic  to  a  marvelous  degree. 


tca  gasfeell  Jfttller, 


V£ 

/ 


Jessica  gasfceli  JFuller, 


Unsurpassed  in  method,  style  and  musical  gifts,  by  in- 
stinct classic  in  her  tastes,  Mrs.  Jessica  Haskell  Fuller's  won- 
derful achievements  place  her  in  the  front  rank  of  Chicago's 
artists.  Miss  Haskell  was  born  in  Toledo,  Ohio,  but  came 
to  Chicago  when  quite  young,  and  became  identified  with  its 
best  musical  effort.  Her  first  public  recognition  was  won  in 
Verdi's  opera,  "  II  Trovatore,"  when  she  sang  the  role  of 
Leonora  with  great  success.  For  three  years  she  was  the 
leading  soloist  of  the  Beethoven  Society,  which,  under  the 
leadership  of  Carl  Wolfsohn  (one  of  the  most  poetic  and  mas- 
terly interpreters  of  Beethoven)  presented  the  best  classic 
music,  and  elevated  the  tone  of  musical  study  in  Chicago,  and 
was  the' inspiration  of  a  reverence  for  the  great  masters.  Miss 
Haskell  next  became  a  pupil,  in  Paris,  of  Mad.  Pauline  Viardot 
Garcia,  renowned  for  her  unfolding  of  great  roles,  particu- 
larly those  of  Mozart.  She  was  the  teacher  of  Mme.  Pauline 
Lucca,  whose  never-to-be-forgotten  role  of  Marguerite  made 
her  famous.  In  teaching  Miss  Haskell  the  same  part,  she 
called  her  the  "American  Lucca,"  so  closely  did  their  talents 
and  personal  appearance  resemble  each  other.  With  Viar- 
dat  this  gifted  young  singer  gained  that  purety  of  method 
and  highly  finished  interpretation  which  at  once  placed  her 
among  the  first  American  artists.  A  remarkable  example  of 
her  perfectly  accurate  musical  ear  was  her  singing  from  mem- 


148  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

ory  and  without  accompaniment  that  long  and  difficult  col- 
oratura aria,  "  Bel  Raggio,"  from  "  Semirainide, "  ending  this 
wonderful  musical  feat  absolutely  upon  the  key.  Theodore 
Thomas,  for  whom  Mrs.  Fuller  was  singing,  pronounced  this 
"  the  greatest  proof  of  musical  ability  and  perfect  intona- 
tion." Her  exquisite  and  musicianly  renderings  of  Beet- 
hoven's "Ah  Perfidio,"  Handel's  "  I  Know  That  My  Re- 
deemer Liveth  "  and  "  Oh,  for  the  Wings  of  a  Dove,"  Schu- 
mann's "  Woman's  Love  and  Life,"  Schubert's  "  Erl-King," 
Listz's  "  Lorelie,"  and  countless  other  works  in  her  tremen- 
dous repertoire,  have  won  for  her  the  highest  praise.  Re- 
menyi  was  enchanted  with  her  beautiful  voice  and  art,  and 
used  every  effort  to  secure  her  for  his  famous  concerts.  Dur- 
ing Mrs.  Fuller's  residence  abroad,  she  studied  Italian  sing- 
ing with  Luigi  Vanuccini,  in  Florence,  oratorio  with  Shak- 
speare,  in  London,  and  the  Wagner  roles,  in  Dresden.  In 
1876,  Miss  Haskell  married  Mr.  Edward  M.  Fuller,  of  Madi- 
son, Wis.,  where  she  now  resides.  Professors  from  the  uni- 
versity, artists  of  international  reputation,  and  life-long 
friends  enjoy  the  gracious  hospitality  of  her  beautiful  home. 
Her  art,  which  has  improved  with  the  years,  is  now  a  charm- 
ing accomplishment  which  her  family  and  friends  associate 
—and  ever  will— with  her  fine  music  room,  and  the  gorgeous 
sunsets  and  moonlight  over  the  forests  and  lakes  and  all  na- 
ture about  her  delightful  home,  which  Verdi  and  Wagner 
called  the  "  Divine  Teacher  "  of  music. 

Looking  out  on  the  loveliness  about  her,  well  may  she  say, 

"  In  woods  aglow  with  warm  sunlight, 
From    them    I   learned    my   singing." 


.  (JEranfcerrg  3L  JFort, 


Jftrs.  <£iccnfcm|)  H.  JFort. 


In  one  of  the  newer  States  of  a  new  country,  it  is  a  dis- 
tinction worthy  of  note  for  one  to  be  still  living,  after  a  lapse 
of  years,  in  the  house  where  one  was  born,  reared  and  mar- 
ried. Such  a  distinction  belongs  to  Mrs.  Greenberry  L.  Fort, 
of  Lacon,  111.,  who,  while  a  woman  of  extensive  travel,  and  for 
some  years  a  resident  of  Washington,  D.  C.,  has  known  but 
one  home,  and  that  in  the  city  and  house  where  she  was  born. 

Miss  Clara  Boal  was  the  daughter  of  Dr.  Robert  Boal,  one 
of  the  earlier  settlers  of  Lacon,  111.,  her  native  city.  He  was 
eminent  in  his  profession,  beloved,  as  well  as  respected,  in  the 
community  where  he  lived,  recognized  as  a  man  of  remarkable 
force  of  character  and  a  well-balanced  judgment.  His  life  was 
one  of  sterling  worth,  his  loyalty  to  his  country  unswerving, 
his  integrity  unquestioned.  He  was  one  of  the  founders  of 
the  Republican  party,  and  was  most  vitally  interested  in  im- 
portant State  and  national  problems.  Miss  Boal  was  married 
in  Lacon,  to  Greenberry  L.  Fort,  and  both  her  husband  and 
father  were  actively  engaged  in  State  politics.  Her  son,  Col. 
Robert  L.  Fort,  seems  to  have  followed  in  the  footsteps  of  both 
father  and  grandfather,  as  he  is  now  (1903)  a  member  of  the 
State  Legislature. 

For  years  Mr.  Greenberry  L.  Fort  was  a  member  of  the 

Congress  of  the  United  States,  and  with  him  Mrs.  Fort  en- 

151 


152  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

joyed  official  life  in  Washington,  D.  C.  In  addition  to  her 
delightful  experiences  there,  Mrs.  Port  has  had  the  advant- 
age of  frequent  trips  abroad,  and  these  united  influences 
have,  no  doubt,  done  much  to  develop  in  her  that  savoir-vivre 
and  cosmopolitan  ease  which  are  among  her  most  marked 
characteristics.  Mrs.  Fort  is  in  many  ways  a  remarkable  wo- 
man. Keenly  and  intelligently  interested  in  the  questions 
which  have  so  absorbed  the  lives  of  father,  husband  and  son, 
she  is  fond  of  all  music  and  art,  and  aids  their  advancement 
as  far  as  possible  by  her  influence.  She  has  a  charming  pres- 
ence, and  preserves  a  figure  noticed  and  remembered  for  its 
symmetry  and  grace.  She  is  as  agile  and  lithe  in  all  her 
movements  as  a  young  girl,  erect  and  dignified  in  her  carriage. 
She  is  of  a  frank  nature,  and  appreciative  of  every  cour- 
tesy and  kindness.  In  no  place  is  she  happier  than  in  the 
home  endeared  to  her  by  many  associations,  and  she  feels  a 
pardonable  pride  in  the  results  achieved  by  those  dearest  to 
her.  While  her  position  has  given  her  marked  prestige,  she 
is  free  from  arrogance,  affable  in  her  manners,  thoroughly 
companionable  at  all  times  and  in  all  places. 


(ftatijcart 


Descended  from  peculiarly  musical  ancestry,  it  is  hardly 
strange  that  George  Cathcart  Brouson  should  have  inherited 
the  varied  talents  which  have  gained  for  him  a  wide  reputa- 
tion as  singer,  musical  composer  and  writer,  as  well  as  pro- 
moter, of  the  best  musical  enterprises.  His  father,  James 
Cathcart  Bronson,  organized  and  directed  the  first  brass  band 
in  Indiana,  in  1847.  This  band  consisted  very  largely  of 
musically  inclined  relatives,  eight  of  them  being  brothers. 
They  used  to  come  to  the  village  of  Chicago  to  give  concerts, 
and  the  "  ra-ta-ta  "  of  the,  then,  wonderful  band  was  most 
enthusiastically  welcomed  there.  In  1849,  they  crossed  the 
Continent,  and  for  a  long  time  retained  their  organization  in 
the  mining-camp  of  Placerville,  Cal.  This  was  the  first  band 
that  ever  crossed  the  Continent,  and  marked  the  introduction 
of  concerted  music  in  California.  While  there  Mr.  Bronson 
married  Miss  H.  M.  Pennington,a  Philadelphia  singer  of  note, 
who  had  made  the  long  and  tedious  trip  around  the  "  Horn  " 
to  see  the  "  wonderful  gold  fields  "  and  the  land  of  sunshine 
and  flowers. 

Their  son,  George  Cathcart  Bronson,  was  born  in  Placer- 
ville, Cal.,  in  1869.  The  family  moved  later  to  San  Francisco, 
where  the  boy  began  his  nmsical  studies  with  his  father.  His 

progress  was  such  that  before  many  years  he  had  sung  all  over 

1 55 


156  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

the  West  with  various  concert  organizations,  and  in  1889  went 
to  Berlin,  Germany,  where  he  was  graduated  in  musical  his- 
tory, harmony  and  voice.  After  most  successful  operatic  en- 
gagements abroad,  he  came  to  Chicago,  and  ever  since  that 
time  has  been  engaged  in  promoting  musical  interests  there. 

He  organized  the  Chicago  School  of  Opera,  and  was 
elected  its  President.  The  Cable  Company' appointed  him  its 
assistant  manager  and  director  of  all  their  educational  con- 
certs, which  have  been  exceedingly  popular.  While  abroad, 
he  met  Miss  Maude  Wellings,  a  gifted  and  brilliant  singer 
from  Lansing,  Mich.,  and  since  his  return  to  Chicago  she  has 
become  his  wife.  Mr.  Bronson  has  published  quite  a  number 
of  books  which  have  received  most  flattering  endorsement 
from  the  press  and  public.  Among  his  books  there  are  "  Let- 
ters from  Musicians,"  "Ab  Inter,"  "  Soul  Immortal  "  and 
"  Thou  Shalt  Waken,"  the  latter  invading  the  field  of  psy- 
chology. His  poem,  "  Music,"  or,  as  he  has  sometimes  styled 
it,  "  From  Sound  to  Soul,"  is  a  rare  gem,  worthy  of  a  wider 
reading  than  it  has  hitherto  obtained.  Through  his  kindness, 
it  furnishes  the  introduction  to  the  article  on  the  "  History  of 
Music  in  Illinois,"  in  this  volume.  As  a  musical  composer, 
he  is  known  by  many  songs  and  operettas,  the  latter  having 
been  used  mostly  at  private  musicales.  Mr.  Bronson  is  a  man 
enthusiastic  in  his  profession,  of  real  poetic  instinct  and  prac- 
tically interested  in  the  encouragement  of  the  loftiest  musical 
ideals.  His  influence  for  musical  progress  is  universally  con- 
ceded to  be  as  intelligent  and  uplifting  as  it  is  potent. 


fftvs.  railltam  fencer 


*  Militant  £pencer 


Genius  is  a  term  which  can  rarely  be  truthfully  em- 
ployed. A  century,  as  it  passes,  holds  but  few  who  merit  that 
designation.  Talent  is  everywhere,  and  may  be  cultivated, 
but  that  subtle,  intangible  gift  we  call  genius  is  Heaven's 
rarest  boon,  and  nothing  less  than  Heaven  can  bestow  it.  Of 
no  one  is  this  distinction  more  true  than  of  Mrs.  Ellen  Crosby, 
the  well-known  and  marvelous  interpreter  of  Wagner.  The 
press  abroad  and  in  America  has  exhausted  itself  in  trying 
adequately  to  describe  her  work. 

Eoyalty  has  welcomed  her  again  and  again,  fascinated 
by  her  presentations  of  what  before  seemed  only  mystery.  So- 
ciety in  New  York,  Chicago  and  other  large  cities  has  deemed 
it  a  privilege  to  add  to  the  laurels  already  won  by  this  gifted 
American  woman ;  the  savants  of  Boston  have  sat  at  her  feet 
enchanted,  and  everywhere  she  has  had  the  homage  of  artist, 
music-lover  and  culture.  And  yet,  it  has  left  undisturbed  the 
serenity  of  this  home-loving  woman ;  she  moves  among  it  all, 
appreciative,  modest  still— a  genius. 

Ellen  Conkey  was  born  near  Syracuse,  in  Onondaga  Val- 
ley, New  York.  She  has  no  memory  of  a  time  when  she  could 
not  play  the  piano.  When  aboiit  eight  years  old  she  had  three 
terms  of  lessons,  two  with  E.  C.  Phelps,  one  with  John  Becker, 
and  this  comprises  the  tuition  received  by  one  of  the  greatest 
pianists  in  the  world. 


160  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 


Coming  to  Chicago  when  only  a  girl  in  her  early  teens, 
she  played  for  nearly  three  years  the  masses  in  St.  Mary's 
Cathedral.  Mozart,  Haydn  and  all  the  great  masters  were 
thus  familiarized  to  her,  and  once  a  month  she  played  the  ser- 
vice with  an  orchestra  with  the  most  remarkable  choir  in  the 
city.  Who  can  tell  but  that  then,  in  that  girlish  heart,  throb- 
bing with  delight  as  the  grand  strains  rose  at  her  touch,  there 
was  the  dawning  of  the  wonderful  inspiration  which  has  made 
her  famous.  From  the  first  day  that  Prof.  Swing  preached 
in  Music  Hall  she  played  the  great  organ  there,  adding  to 
the  dignity  and  influence  of  those  services  which  have  be- 
come historic. 

At  one  time,  wishing  the  advantage  of  studying  the  two 
Bach  Fugues,  she  took  nine  organ  lessons  from  Clarence 
Eddy.  She  has  played  accompaniments  for  the  greatest 
artists  in  the  world,  herself  their  peer. 

But  it  is  as  the  interpreter  of  Wagner  that  Mrs.  Crosby 
has  shown  the  wonderful  genius  which  is  her  birthright.  At 
every  appearance,  she  has  met  with  the  most  favorable  press 
notices  and  opinions  from  the  world's  recognized  critics.  The 
press  notices  represent  such  papers  as  the  Boston  Evening 
Transcript,  the  New  York  Mail  and  Express,  and  the  Elite, 
and  various  Chicago  papers.  From  the  other  side  of  the 
water,  the  London  Times,  London  Court  Circular,  and  many 
papers  of  Paris,  and  other  Continental  cities. 

Mrs.  Crosby  has  met  the  great  Wagner  conductor,  Hans 
Richter,  and  received  his  endorsement  of  her  work.  She  was 
the  guests  of  Mme.  Wagner,  at  Baireuth,  where  Siegfried 
Wagner  was  most  gracious  in  his  encouragement. 

Herself  a  worshipper  of  Wagner,  she  brings  to  her  work 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  101 

of  interpretation  not  only  intelligence  but  a  real  love  for  every 
tlieuie  which  reveals  itself  in  voice  and  touch.  From  the  first 
to  the  last  word  spoken  by  this  distinguished  woman,  she  holds 
her  audience  entranced,  and,  giving  the  key-note  of  Wag- 
ner's wondrous  aim,  mysticism  vanishes,  and  a  great  human- 
ity is  revealed  in  works  which  may  have  seemed  incompre- 
hensible. Mrs.  Crosby,  while  she  plays  Wagner,  talks  Wag- 
ner, and  her  recitation  simply  gives  words  to  the  master's 
chords.  Mrs.  Crosby  plays  and  talks  entirely  without  notes. 
A  most  remarkable  example  of  her  phenomenal  memory,  show- 
ing as  well  something  of  her  repertoire,  occurred  at  the  home 
of  Mrs.  Danisl  Lord  Lawrence,  N.  Y.  Musical  and  fashion- 
able New  York  had  gone  wild  with  enthusiasm  over  the  Wag- 
nerian  recitals  given  by  Mrs.  Crosby.  Mrs.  Lord  had  before 
opened  her  magnificent  music-room  to  Mrs.  Crosby,  but  she 
determined  to  give  a  musical  treat  to  a  very  few  of  New 
York's  most  musical  people,  among  them  Havemeyer. 

Her  music-room  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  in  America, 
hung  with  priceless  tapestries,  lit  by  curious  lanterns,  with 
every  environment  which  exquisite  taste  can  suggest.  The 
windo\vs  look  out,  beyond  the  lovely  grounds  which  surround 
this  palatial  home,  upon  the  salted  meadows  which  stretch 
to  the  sea.  As  Mrs.  Crosby  said—"  When  I  played,  nothing 
between  me  and  the  old  world."  It  was  late  in  the  summer's 
day,  and  the  birds  were  singing  their  evening  hymn.  "  What 
music-drama  shall  I  give?"  Mrs.  Crosby  had  asked.  "  May 
the  little  audience  select  whether  it  shall  be  '  Rheingold,' 
1  Siegfried,'  '  Tristam,'  '  Walkiire,'  '  Gotterdamerung  '  or 
'  Parsifal  ? '  "  and  Mrs.  Crosby  assented.  Few  artists  would  be 
willing  thus  to  meet  an  audience  without  one  moment's  prepa- 


162  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

ration.  But  with  Mrs.  Crosby  her  repertoire  is  a  part  of  her- 
self. As  she  came  through  the  hall  to  take  her  place  at  the 
piano,  she  asked—"  What  shall  it  be?"  "  Parsifal,"  was  the 
reply.  Not  one  of  that  little  circle  will  ever  forget  that  hour 
when  this  charming  artist,  with  her  magnetic  presence,  sat 
before  them  and  opened  to  them  a  new  world  of  poetry  and  of 
music. 

Mrs.  Crosby  possesses  great  personal  charm  and  mag- 
netism; a  light,  quick,  but  forceful,  touch,  a  voice  dramatic, 
but  so  musical  that  the  effect  is  often  almost  that  of  singing. 

Her  daughter,  Grace  Eunyon,  now  Mrs.  J.  W.  Wassell, 
is  one  o  the  most  gifted  composers  of  the  day.  Her  songs 
are  being  sung  by  the  greatest  artists,  while  her  instrumental 
compositions  are  being  orchestrated  and  played  by  the  best 
orchestras  of  the  \vorld.  Competent  critics,  among  whom 
may  be  mentioned  Bernard  Ziehn,  prophesy  that  she  will  be 
one  of  the  greatest  women  composers  in  America,  if  not  in 
the  world. 


gtqpjjens. 


GEOHGE    STEPHENS. 


Among  men  distinguished  in  the  business  world,  no  one 
las  enjoyed  a  more  enviable  reputation  than  George  Stephens, 
ate  of  Moliue,  111. 

George  Washington  Stephens  was  born  in  Westmoreland 
Dounty,  Pa.,  February  22,  1819,  and  was  so  christened  from 
he  fact  that  his  birthday  was  the  same  as  that  of  the  "  Father 
>f  his  Country,"  but  he  early  dropped  the  use  of  the  name. 
Se  was  the  great-grandson  of  Capt.  Alexander  Stephens,  a 
'ollower  of  Prince  Charles  Edward,  who  fled  from  Wales  to 
America  in  1746,  served  under  George  Washington,  and,  for 
gallant  service,  was  awarded  a  large  tract; of  land  in  West- 
noreland  County,  Pa.,  which  has  been  in  the  possession  of  the 
Stephens  family  ever  since.  His  father,  Randall  Stephens, 
ierved  in  the  war  of  1812;  his  mother  was  Martha  Boggs,  of 
English  parentage.  Mr.  Stephens'  education  was  limited  to 
;hat  received  in  the  private  schools  near  his  home,  but  he  was 
i  great  reader,  and  investigated  the  latest  scientific  theories  as 
:hey  were  advanced.  Thus  he  received  a  broad  view  of  the 
aractical  world.  Mr.  Stephens  came  West  in  1841,  without 
i  dollar,  having,  with  characteristic  generosity,  given  -his 
share  of  his  father's  estate -te  a  brother,  who  was  married  and 
ivhose  needs  were  greater  than  his  own. 

As  he  left  his  home  to  seek  a  fortune  in  the  West,  he  stood 

165 


166  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

on  the  mountain,  and,  looking  back,  pledged  himself  never 
to  return  until  he  had  earned  a  thousand  dollars.  He  re- 
turned before  many  years,  and  often  related  this  incident  in 
his  life  as  an  illustration  of  what  a  man  of  determination 
could  do. 

It  was  not,  however,  until  1843  that  he  came  to  Moline, 
111.,  then  in  the  beginning  of  things,  now  called  "  The  Lowell 
of  the  West."  Several  enterprises  engaged  his  attention,  but 
it  was  in  1870  that  the  Moline  Plow.  Company,  with  which 
his  name  is  so  identified,  was  incorporated  with  a  capital  of 
$240,000,  which  has  increased  to  $5,000,000.  Mr.  Stephens 
was  its  first  Vice-President,  and  held  the  position  till  1885, 
when  he  resigned  and  made  a  trip  to  Mexico.  Later  he  was 
elected  President,  a  position  he  held  till  his  .death.  To  his 
energy  and  ability  the  factory  owes  the  success  which  has 
made  it  one  of  the  largest  in  the  world. 

In  1846,  Mr.  Stephens  was  married  to  Mary  A.  Gardner, 
a  notable  woman,  of  remarkable  character.  Pre-eminently  a 
lover  of  home  and  family,  his  domestic  life  was  full  of  charm. 
To  them  eight  children  were  born,  of  whom  six  survive. 

Mr.  Stephens  was  a  man  of  most  noble  character.  Aim- 
ing at  success  and  achieving  it,  he  scorned  any  ostentatious 
display  of  wealth,  and  endeared  himself  to  the  laboring  class, 
who  are  quick  to  recognize  true  worth  and  manliness.  This 
was  touchingly  shown  after  his  death,  when,  among  the  wealth 
of  flowers,  was  found  an  exquisite  wreath,  one  of  the  pieces 
sent  by  the  workingmen  of  the  factory,  inscribed  "  Our 
Friend." 

For  a  year  before  Ms  death  his  health  had  begun  to  fail, 
and  on  July  12, 1892,  he  entered  into  rest. 


.  George 


MKS.    GEORGE    STEPHENS. 


A  woman  of  distinguished  ancestry,  noble  character  and 
tender  heart,  Mrs.  George  Stephens  was  a  worthy  companion 
for  the  man  whose  name  is  so  deeply  engraved  on  the  history 
of  Moline,  111. 

Mary  A.  Gardner  was  born  near  Utica,  N.  Y.,  March  14, 
1830,.  daughter  of  Ebenezer  and  Mary  Wilkinson  Gardner,  her 
mother  being  a  member  of  the  Wilkinson  family,  the  founders 
of  Providence,  R.  I.  She  was  also  a  descendant  of  Stephen 
Hopkins,  the  signer  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence,  and 
of  Ezek  Hopkins,  the  founder  of  the  American  Navy.  Her 
ancestry  is  given  in  "  Browning's  Americans  of  Royal  De- 
scent." The  family  came  West  when  she  was  a  young  girl, 
and  settled  in  Rock  Island  County,  111.,  but  very  soon  re- 
moved to  California. 

When  not  quite  seventeen  years  of  age  she  was  married, 
November  4,  1846,  to  George  Stephens,  then  a  competent,  in- 
dustrious young  millwright,  in  the  beginning  of  his  wonder- 
ful career.  Possibly  this  experience  made  them  both  so  full 
of  sympathy  for  those  who  were  toiling  day  after  day,  and 
gave  them  the  rare  tact  to  endear  themselves  to  those  who  had 
been  less  fortunate  than  they  in  the  amassing  of  wealth. 

Mrs.  Stephens  was  known  as  an  ideal  wife  and  'mother, 
giving  to  each  member  of  her  large  family  all  the  helpful  eoun- 


170  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

sel  and  loving  care  which  they  needed.  But  her  generous 
nature  could  not  be  satisfied  with  simply  meeting  the  demands 
of  those  in  the  home  circle.  Throughout  the  community  she 
was  recognized  as  an  angel  of  mercy  to  those  in  need,  those 
in  sorrow  or  suffering  from  any  cause.  She  was  a  woman  of 
most  sterling  character,  of  a  religious  nature,  yet  with  the 
broadest  and  most  tolerant  views,  and  endeavored  to  imbue 
the  minds  of  her  children  with  the  loftiest  ideals  and  the  high- 
est ambitions.  From  their  earliest  childhood  she  urged  them 
not  to  make  money  the  standard  of  judgment,  or  to  give  to 
its  possession  undue  value,  but,  rather,  to  use  it  as  a  means 
of  self -education  and  benefaction  to  those  about  them. 

Her  sweet  face  and  sunny  smile,  her  rare  judgment  and 
sincere  sympathy,  made  her  most  beloved,  the  friend  alike  of 
the  rich  and  the  poor,  mourned  universally  when,  February  4, 
1888,  her  gentle  spirit  passed  away.  For  a  year  and  a  half  she 
had  been  seriously  ill,  suffering  greatly  from  heart  trouble, 
but  she  bore  it  all  with  a  heroism  and  submission  peculiarly 
her  own. 

Although  her  loving  presence  is  no  longer  the  inspira- 
tion of  the  home-life,  still  she  lives  in  the  hearts  of  her  chil- 
dren, who  love  her  memory,  in  the  thoughts  of  many  to  whom 
she  was  a  kind  and  valued  friend,  and  in  the  gratitude  of  oth- 
ers who  more  and  more,  as  the  years  pass,  "  rise  up  to  call  her 
blessed." 


£tcpj)cns 


It  is  a  remarkable  fact  that  in  a  single  community  are 
settled  the  entire  family,  the  six  children,  of  so  distinguished 
citizens  as  the  late  Mr.  and  Mrs.  George  Stephens.  These 
sons  and  daughters  are,  without  exception,  living  lives  which 
are  not  only  creditable  to  themselves  but  an  honor  to  the 
parents  who  are  so  closely  identified  with  the  progress  and  up- 
lift of  Moline,  111. 

A  brief  sketch  of  each  life  is  all  that  is  possible  in  the 
scope  of  such  an  article  as  the  present,  but  these  histories  are 
such  as  should  encourage  parents  to  cherish  the  most  lofty  am- 
bitions for  their  children,  and  incite  children  to  emulate  the 
examples  of  parents  whose  lives  have  been  full  of  achieve- 
ment. 

George  Arthur  Stephens,  the  oldest  of  the  family,  was 
born,  May  2,  1851,  in  Moline,  as  were  they  all.  He  was  edu- 
cated principally  in  eastern  schools  and  academies.  In  ear- 
lier life  his  ambition  was  to  become  an  artist,  and  under  in- 
struction, he  painted  quite  a  little,  but  later  this  ambition 
was  relinquished,  although  he  has  always  been  an  enthusiastic 
lover  of  art  and  its  liberal  patron.  When  only  twenty-two,  he 
was  married  to  Miss  Mary  Frances  Haynes,  a  girl  beautiful  in . 
character  and  appearance,  who  died,  leaving  him  with  two 
children.  The  daughter,  Gertrude,  was  gifted  with  a  fine 


172  BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES. 


voice,  and  became  a  favorite  in  social  and  musical  circles.  She 
married  John  Hassock  Porter,  of  Ottawa,  111.,  at  present 
stockholder  and  manager  of  the  Buffalo  Steel  Co.  Mr.  Ste- 
phens later  married  Miss  Nancy  Stewart,  of  Corine,  111.,  a  de- 
scendant of  the  North  Carolina  Stewarts,  a  woman  of  most 
attractive  personality  and  greatly  beloved.  Her  hair  is  snowy 
white,  which,  in  contrast  with  her  young  face,  gives  her  a  most 
charming  appearance.  Mrs.  Stephens  is  exceedingly  hospit- 
able, and  is  never  more  happy  than  when  entertaining  her 
friends.  They  are  just  completing  a  new  and  very  hand- 
some house.  She  belongs  to  many  clubs,  and  has  held  offices 
in  them  all.  Not,  however,  contented  with  the  distinction  of 
being  a  leader  in  social  circles,  Mrs.  Stephens  is  most  charit- 
able, and  is  at  present  the  President  of  the  Associated  Chari- 
ties of  Moline,  a  position  she  fills  with  great  dignity  and  rare 
tact.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stephens  have  one  daughter,  Dorothea. 

After  leaving  school,  Mr.  Stephens  came  to  Moline  and 
engaged  with  his  father  in  work  connected  with  the  Moline 
Plow  Company,  of  which  he  is  the  President.  He  is  inter- 
ested in  all  that  pertains  to  the  business  life  of  Moline,  and 
has  holdings  in  various  other  undertakings.  A  man  of  great 
nervous  energy,  quick  to  decide  and  act,  he  is  also  a  man  of 
tender  heart,  hardly  recognized  at  first  by  those  who  meet  him. 
He  aided  in  the  successful  establishing  of  the  free  kindergar- 
ten school,  which  is  now  merged  into  the  public  school  system. 
Possibly  no  passion  of  his  life  is  more  dominant  than  his  love 
for  children.  The  little  ones  recognize  him  as  their  friend, 
and  have  abundant  reason  to  remember  his  generosity.  One 
after  another,  he  has  been  called  upon  to  give  up  three  beauti- 
ful boys,  in  whom  his  love  and  pride  were  centered,  and  in  do- 


. 


THE  GEORGE  STEPHENS  FAMILY.  173 

ing  for  other  children  he  seems  to  find  much  happiness.  He 
is  President  of  the  Moline  Hospital,  has  served  as  Alderman, 
and  in  all  business  and  literary,  social  and  benevolent  circles 
occupies  a  position  second  to  none,  while  his  unbounded  popu- 
larity speaks  for  his  kindly  heart  and  generous  impulses. 

Mary  Stephens  Huntoon,  the  oldest  daughter,  is  a  hand- 
some woman  of  distinguished  appearance.  She  was  edu- 
cated at  Mt.  Carroll  Seminary,  and  devoted  not  a  little  atten- 
tion to  the  cultivation  of  an  excellent  voice.  She  married  Mr. 
George  H.  Huntoon,  who  belongs  to  the  old  New  England  fam- 
ily of  that  name.  He  is  one  of  the  officers  and  stockholders 
of  the  Moline  Plow  Company,  First  Vice-President  of  the 
Henney  Buggy  Co.,  of  Freeport,  111.,  and  Second  Vice-Presi- 
dent of  the  Mandt  Wagon  Co.,  of  Stoughton,  Wis.  Mrs.  Hun- 
toon is  a  most  philanthropic  woman ;  it  has  been  said  of  her 
that  the  mantle  of  her  sainted  mother  rests  upon  her.  She  is 
deeply  interested  in  the  needs  of  the  working  classes,  and 
is  most  eloquent  in  pleading  for  the  redress  of  wrongs,  where- 
ever  they  are  found.  She  is  President  of  the  Fortnightly 
Club  and  of  the  Woman's  Club,  which,  although  only  a  year 
old,  has  grown  wonderfully,  and  has  achieved  much  good 
through  its  varioiis  departments.  Mrs.  Huntoon  has  three 
children.  Grace  is  very  musical  and  has  studied  whistling 
with  Bain  with  such  success  that  were  she  thrown  upon  her 
own  resources  she  could  easily  have  a  successful  career.  Her 
son  George  was  educated  chiefly  at  the  University  of  Illinois, 
and  has  devoted  much  time  to  travel,  while  Helen  is  a  sweet 
school  girl  of  fourteen.  George  is  now  at  home  and  engaged 
with  the  Moline  Plow  Company. 

The  second  daughter,  Minnie  Stephens  Allen,  was  edu- 


174  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES. 

cated  at  Smith  College.  She  belonged  to  the  class  of  1883,  and 
has  devoted  much  attention  to  music,  having  studied  with 
some  of  the  best  teachers  in  America.  Her  love  for  music  is 
such  that  she  keeps  herself  in  practice,  as  is  too  rarely  the  case 
with  American  girls  after  they  assume  the  duties  and  respon- 
sibilities of  later  life.  Emil  Liebling  still  directs  her  musi- 
cal studies,  and  counts  her  one  of  his  most  advanced  pupils. 
She  married  Frank  Gates  Allen,  son  of  Hon.  E.  R.  Allen,  of 
Aurora,  111.  Mr.  Allen  was  educated  for  a  lawyer,  was  grad- 
uated from  Ann  Arbor,  and  enjoys  the  distinction  of  being 
a  Sigma  Phi.  He  practiced  law  for  five  years  of  their  mar- 
ried life,  when  their  home  was  in  Ottawa,  111.  He  is  now  Vice- 
President  of  the  Moline  Plow  Company,  President  of  the  Mo- 
line  National  Bank,  President  of  the  Mandt  Wagon  Co.,  and 
also  of  the  Henney  Buggy  Co. 

While  living  in  Ottawa,  Mrs.  Allen  organized  its  first 
musical  society,  which  is  still  flourishing,  and  of  which  she 
was  the  President  while  living  there.  An  enthusiast  in  what- 
ever she  undertakes,  endowed  with  rare  executive  ability  and 
blessed  with  superb  health,  it  is  not  strange  that  she  is  called 
upon  to  fill  more  positions  than  would  seem  possible  for  one 
woman  to  fill.  Tet  she  has  no  desire  to  be  considered  simply 
a  club  woman,  but  finds  her  greatest  happiness  in  her  beauti- 
ful home,  while  pride  in  her  home,  husband  and  love  for  their 
only  child  predominate  in  her  thought.  This  daughter,  Mar- 
jorie  Stephens,  is  being  educated  at  Smith  College,  the  Alma 
Mater  of  her  mother.  While  Mrs.  Allen's  modesty  has  made 
it  difficult  to  obtain  perhaps  a  complete  record  of  her  various 
offices,  the  mention  of  a  few  will  indicate  her  busy  life.  She  is 
Recording  Secretary  of  the  State  Federation  of  Women's 


THE  GEORGE  STEPHENS  FAMILY.  175 

Clubs,  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the  Moline  Woman's  Club, 
was  President  of  the  Beethoven  Club,  of  Moline,  for  ten  years, 
and  is  at  present  Vice-Regent  of  the  Moline  Chapter  of  D.  A. 
E.  Through  her  efforts  the  Woman's  Club  was  organized, 
and  she  is  deeply  interested  in  all  philanthropic,  literary  and 
social  enterprises,  and  has  written  not  a  little  under  various 
noms  de  plume. 

Charles  Randall  Stephens  was  named  for  one  of  his 
grandfathers,  and  is  a  most  enthusiastic  and  successful  busi- 
ness man.  That  his  ability  in  this  direction  is  marked  is 
shown  by  the  fact  that,  although  a  comparatively  young  man, 
he  is  Secretary  and  General  Superintendent  of  the  Moline 
Plow  Co.,  President  of  the  Acme  Steel  Company,  Vic-Presi- 
dent of  the  Mandt  Wagon  Co.,  and  connected  with  various 
other  business  ventures.  His  life  is  still  before  him,  but  with 
the  indomitable  perseverance,  business  instinct  and  general 
ability  which  he  inherits  from  his  father,  it  is  not  too  much 
to  predict  for  him  a  brilliant  future  as  a  financier  and  far-see- 
ing business  man.  He  is  exceedingly  fond  of  outdoor  sports, 
and  is  quite  an  athlete.  He  married  Catherine  Law  Bayne,  of 
Anthony,  Kan.,  although  the  family  formerly  lived  in  Illinois. 
They  have  a  beautiful  home  and  two  lovely  children— Mildred 
and  George  Bayne. 

Mrs.  Stephens  is  greatly  beloved  by  all  circles  of  people. 
Although  not  in  robust  health,  she  devotes  much  time  to  vis- 
iting among  the  poor,  and  does  very  much  good  in  a  gracious, 
gentle  way.  Their  home  is  full  of  happiness,  and  that  happi- 
ness they  delight  to  share  with  others. 

Ada  Stephens  Jordan  was  a  girl  in  her  'teens  when  her 
mother  was  taken  from  the  home  where  she  seemed  so  much 


176  BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES. 

needed.  Although  so  young,  she  at  once  assumed  the  care  of 
father  and  home,  a  care  she  never  relinquished  during  her 
father's  lifetime.  Self -forgetful,  she  lived  her  young  life  for 
others,  making  the  home  still  the  place  for  all  family  re- 
unions, her  father's  companion  in  his  travels  and  in  his  home- 
life,  laying  aside  all  plans  for  her  own  pleasure  to  minister 
to  him.  Her  life  has  been  one  of  those,  rarely  seen,  of  cheer- 
ful self-abnegation,  of  absolute  unselfishness  and  devotion  to 
those  she  loved.  Deprived  of  the  wife  who  had  been  so  many 
years  his  companion  and  helper,  Mr.  Stephens  was,  in  many 
ways,  peculiarly  dependent  upon  this  brave,  sweet  life,  and  it 
was  a  dependence  which  never  failed  him.  As  a  writer,  she  is 
most  successful,  but  has  never  had  much  opportunity  to  do 
work  along  this  line.  In  February,  1903,  she  maried  Mr.  Jor- 
dan, a  journalist  of  ability,  who,  for  a  time,  owned  and  edited 
one  of  the  daily  papers  of  Moline,  and  is  now  the  principal 
stockholder  and  manager  of  the  Moline  Printing  Co.  They 
have  recently  returned  from  a  winter  in  California,  and  are 
living  in  the  old  home. 

Nellie  Stephens  Lippincott,  the  youngest  of  the  family, 
was  educated  at  the  Northwestern  University.  She  is  exceed- 
ingly fond  of  music,  and  is  a  fine  pianist,  having  studied  with 
the  best  teachers,  among  whom  perhaps  Emil  Lieblihg  has 
done  as  much  for  her  as  any.  Some  six  or  seven  years  ago 
she  married  Charles  Howard  Lippincott,  descended  from  the 
well-known  Lippincott  family  of  Philadelphia.  They  have 
two  winsome  little  children,  Mary  Stephens  and  Gardner  Pen- 
nington.  While  Mrs.  Lippincott  is  prominent  in  social  and 
literary  circles,  the  demands  of  home  occupy  most  largely  her 
heart  and  life. 


HENEY    WADE    BOGEHS. 


Rogers. 


Few  men,  of  his  age,  have  achieved  along  educational 
lines  and  in  his  professional  career  such  success  as  has  fol- 
lowed the  efforts  of  Henry  Wade  Rogers,  jurist,  author  and 
educator. 

He  was  born  in  Holland  Patent,  N.  Y.,  October  10,  1853, 
md  received  all  possible  educational  advantages.  An  earnest, 
imbitious  scholar,  he  so  devoted  himself  to  study  that  in  1874, 
it  the  age  of  twenty-one,  he  was  graduated  from  the  Uni- 
versity of  Michigan,  with  the  degree  of  A.  B.,  and  in  1877  re- 
ceived that  of  A.  M.  In  1876,  he  was  married  to  Emma, 
laughter  of  John  Ogden  and  Sarah  Jane  Winner,  of  Penning- 
;on,  N.  Y. 

Meantime  he  was  pursuing,  with  the  same  indomitable 
jerseverence  and  enthusiasm  which  had  characterized  his 
earlier  efforts,  the  work  which  should  fit  him  for  his  chosen 
profession,  the  law,  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1877. 
From  1882  to  1885  he  was  professor  of  law  in  the  University 
)f  Michigan.  The  years  1885-1890  found  him  professor  of 
aw,  professor  of  Roman  law,  and  Dean  of  the  Law  School 
;onnected  with  his  Alma  Mater. 

At  this  time  he  received  a  most  urgent  invitation  to  be- 
come the  President  of  the  Northwestern  University,  in  Evans- 

on,  111.    It  was  a  most  flattering  tribute  to  the  reputation  he 

179 


180  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

had  made  his  own,  and  yet  he  was  deeply  interested  in  the 
work  in  which  he  had  made  such  rapid  strides.  After  careful 
consideration,  he  accepted  the  position  offered,  and  from  1890 
to  1901  he  was  President  of  the  Northwestern  University. 
While  there  he  greatly  endeared  himself  to  the  students,  and 
his  helpful  influence  was  appreciated  by  the  community  in 
which  he  lived.  His  resignation,  to  become  professor  of  law  in 
Yale  University,  in  September,  1901,  was  accepted  with  great 
regret,  and  many  kind  wishes  followed  him  to  his  new  field  of 
labor. 

During  the  past  few  years  he  has  occupied  some  of  the 
most  important  and  prominent  positions  in  the  gatherings  of 
representative  men  in  his  profession. 

The  years  1893-94  he  was  chairman  of  the  American  Bar 
Association,  and  in  1893  was  chairman  of  the  World's  Con- 
gress on  Jurisprudence  and  Law  Reform  at  the  World's  Co- 
lumbian Exposition,  in  Chicago.  In  1898,  he  was  the  general 
chairman  of  the  Saratoga  Conference  and  the  Foreign  Policy 
of  the  United  States.  Thus  he  was  brought  in  touch  with  the 
leading  lights  in  his  profession,  not  only  of  this  country,  but 
from  abroad,  and  gained  a  reputation  as  a  fine  presiding 
officer  and  a  man  of  executive  ability. 

The  honorary  degree  of  LL.D.  was  conferred  upon  him  in 
1890  by  the  Wesleyan  University,  Conn.  Dr.  Rogers  has 
added  to  his  routine  work  quite  a  little  literary  work,  and 
is  the  author  of  "  Expert  Testimony,"  published  in  1893,  and 
of  many  articles  on  law  and  other  subjects  which  have  ap- 
peared in  miscellaneous  publications. 


OTeskg  Heffifngtoell,  29.19. 


lUffingtocll, 


A  literary  man  engaged  in  important  church  and  educa- 
tional work,  the  life  of  Charles  Wesley  Leffingwell  has  been 
replete  with  much  good  accomplished.  He  was  born  Decem- 
ber 5,  1840,  his  father  being  Lyman  Leffingwell,  his  mother 
Sarah  Chapman  (Brown)  Leffingwell.  He  is  descended 
from  Lieut.  Thomas  Leffingwell,  prominent  in  the  Norwich, 
Conn.,  Colony  (1636),  and  a  leader  in  the  Indian  wars.  He 
was  married  in  1862  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Francis,  a  native  of 
England.  He  began  early  in  life  to  give  others  the  benefit  cf 
his  literary  research  and  the  influence  of  his  own  aspira- 
tions. 

From  1859-1860  he  was  Principal  of  the  Galveston 
Academy,  and  Deputy-Surveyor  of  the  city  and  county.  In 
1862  he  was  graduated  from  Knox  College  with  the  degree  of 
B.  A.,  and  in  1875  received  the  degree  of  D.  D.  From  1862-65 
he  was  Vice-President  of  the  Military  Institute  of  Pough- 
keepsie,  N.  Y.  In  1867  he  was  graduated  from  the  Washo- 
tah  Seminary,  and  the  same  year  was  ordained  deacon  and 
priest,  being  assistant  minister  of  St.  James  Church,  Chicago. 

In  1868  he  founded  St.  Mary's  School  at  Knoxville,  111., 
and  has  conducted  it  ever  since. 

He  became   the   editor   and   publisher   of  The   Living 

Church  in  Chicago  in  1879,  and  retained  this  position  for 

183 


184  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

more  than  twenty  years.  Before  the  old  Diocese  of  Illinois 
was  divided,  he  represented  it  in  the  General  Convention 
(1877),  and  has  been  elected  a  deputy  from  Quincy  for  every 
subsequent  convention.  He  has  been  President  of  the 
standing  committee  of  his  Diocese  most  of  the  time  from  the 
beginning,  and  has  twice  been  elected  Bishop  by  the  Clergy. 
His  heart  was  still  in  the  work  of  educational  uplift  for  the 
young,  and  in  1890  he  founded  the  St.  Alban's  school  for 
boys  in  Knoxville,  111.,  a  school  over  which  he  is  still  pre- 
siding. Bringing  to  the  work  not  only  intellectual  training, 
but  also  a  consecrated  life,  success  was  assured. 

Dr.  Leffingwell  is  the  Rector  of  St.  Mary's  and  St.  Al- 
bans'  schools,  and  the  prestige  of  this  position  is  felt  in  the 
school  work  to  which  he  -is  devoted.  While  school  duties  and 
those  connected  with  his  parish  work  absorb  to  a  great  de- 
gree time  and  thought,  Dr.  Leffingwell  has  still  done  some 
important  work  with  his  pen.  He  is  a  scholarly  man,  an  able 
writer,  and  his  contributions  to  the  press  are  highly  valued 
by  thoughtful  readers.  He  has  completed  a  "  Beading  Book 
of  English  Classics,"  which  has  been  published  by  Putman 
Sons,  of  New  York,  and  "  Lyrics  of  the  Living  Church," 
published  by  A.  C.  McClurg  &  Co.,  of  Chicago.  Useful  days, 
consecrated  aims,  devotion  to  his  chosen  work  and  a  deep  de- 
sire for  the  uplifting  of  those  about  him,  characterize  the  life 
of  this  eminently  earnest  man,  whose  influence  in  the  com- 
munity in  which  he  lives  is  felt  as  a  benediction. 


Cecil  €Iara 


CECIL   CLARA   HARVEY. 


There  are  uncrowned -heroes  in  this  world  of  ours  living 
lives  so  beautiful  in  their  unselfishness,  so  full  of  sweet  deeds, 
yet  so  unobtrusive  and  so  quiet  that  comparatively  few  know 
their  merit.  Such  a  life  was  that  of  Cecil  Clara  Harvey,  who 
was  born  in  Elgin,  Illinois,  July  1.2,  1845.  Her  father  was 
George  P.  Harvey,  who,  with  her  mother,  M.  L.  (Burr)  Har- 
vey, was  a  pioneer  in  the  city  of  her  birth. 

Miss  Harvey  was  educated  in  the  Elgin  High  School,  and 
for  eighteen  years  was  a  successful  teacher  in  the  public 
schools  of  that  city,  for  four  years  Principal  of  one  of  them. 
In  1881  she  became  Librarian  of  the  Gail  Borden  Public 
Library,  which  position  she  held  until  her  death,  a  period  of 
twenty-two  years.  Every  hour  possible  she  spent  in  study, 
and  thus  became  familiar  with  the  literature  of  the  present 
and  the  past.  Always  ready  to  place  her  knowledge  at  the 
disposal  of  others,  children  perplexed  over  school  tasks  and 
members  of  literary  clubs  availed  themselves  of  her  services. 
She  was  an  honorary  member  of  the  Elgin  Woman's  Club, 
and  an  active  member  of  the  Every  Wednesday  Club,  the 
oldest  literary  club  of  the  city.  More  than  her  conscientious 
performance  of  the  duties  of  her  responsible  position  or  her 

rare  literary  attainments,  it  was  her  unselfish  life,  a  life  of 

187 


188  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

self-abnegation  and  devotion  to  others,  which  impressed  all 
who  knew  her. 

The  story  of  her  life  presents  no  dramatic  incidents  or 
startling  events.  Bather  it  is  a  history  of  what  is  far  bet- 
ter, a  steady  course  over  a  narrow  way,  with  many  an  ob- 
stacle to  overcome,  many  a  test  of  patience  and  endurance,  yet 
pursued  uncomplainingly  to  the  end.  For  her  the  toil  and 
anxiety  of  many  a  weary  day,  but  for  her  loved  ones  lives  of 
comfort  and  freedom  from  care.  Her  life  of  self -forgetful- 
ness  was  lived  cheerfully;  her  presence  was  one  of  sweet  in- 
fluence, and  her  devoted  friends  were  myriad.  She  delighted 
in  encouraging  high  aspirations  in  those  with  whom  she  came 
in  daily  contact,  and  although  often  weary,  she  was  content 
in  her  home,  in  the  happiness  she  had  provided  for  the  dear 
ones  there. 

As  bravely  and  sweetly  as  she  had  met  the  problems  of 
life  she  met  death.  Her  chief  anxiety  seemed  to  be  to  spare 
those  about  her  sorrow.  It  was  characteristic  of  her  un- 
selfishness that  she  would  not  distress  them  by  reference  to 
the  end,  but  after  she  was  at  rest  a  little  note  found  under  her 
pillow  expressed  her  wishes. 

Truly  she  was  one  of  earth's  uncrowned  heroes,  and  of 
no  one  could  it  be  more  emphatically  said : 

"  None  knew  her  but  to  love  her. 
None  named  her  but  to  praise." 


.  f.  ftottjelman. 


(^JLAAfcaJ  s(Qo-tASL*&<***3M*S  . 


.   OT. 


One  of  the  most  prominent  of  the  women  of  Pekin,  111.,  a 
leader  in  social  functions,  identified  with  its  musical  effort, 
foremost  in  church  work,  is  Mrs.  W.  J.  Conzelman.  Bertha 
Herget  was  born  in  Pekin,  111.,  December  19,  1870,  and  has 
lived  her  life  in  her  native  city.  Her  father  was  John  Her- 
get, a  well-known  distiller,  of  that  city,  and  her  mother  was 
Ernestine  (Schreck)  Herget,  both  being  natives  of  Germany. 
Her  education  w*as  received  in  the  public  schools  of  Pekin. 
On  October  21,  1891,  she  was  married  to  Wm.  J.  Conzel- 
man, who  came  to  Pekin  that  year,  established  himself  in  busi- 
ness and  was  soon  elected  Mayor.  As  wife  of  the  Mayor  of 
the  city,  she  was  prominent  in  all  social  functions,  and  soon 
became  a  leader  in  local  society  affairs.  She  became  identi- 
fied with  the  various  musical  and  literary  societies  of  the 
city,  and  deeply  interested  in  the  work  done  by  them.  She  is 
a  member  of  the  Pekin  and  Peoria  Woman's  Club,  of  various 
social  clubs,  and  of  the  "  Litta  Society,"  a  musical  organiza- 
tion, named  for  the  gifted  young  artist  whose  early  death  was 
so  deeply  mourned. 

In  many  ways  she  has  contributed  to  the  growth  and  de- 
velopment of  musical  and  literary  enterprises,  and  is  ambi- 
tious for  Ihe  attainment  of  the  highest  possible  results. 

Mrs.  Conzelman  has  not,  however,  been  allowed  to  remain 

191 


192  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

simply  known  and  beloved  in  the  city  of  her  birth.  As  the 
wife  of  Col.  Conzelman,  for  her  husband  is  Colonel  on  Gov. 
Yates'  staff,  she  has  been  prominent  in  social  life  at  the  capi- 
tal and  throughout  the  State,  and  is  well  known  for  her  charm- 
ing presence  and  gentle  grace.  She  is  active  in  all  church 
work  and  a  most  generous  donor  to  all  worthy  charities. 

If,  however,  Mrs.  Conzelman  was  questioned  as  to'  where 
she  finds  her  greatest  happiness,  she  would  not  speak  of  social 
triumphs,  of  musical  achievement,  or  even  of  her  church  work, 
which  she  holds  most  sacred,  but  of  her  home  and  her  life 
there. 

Mrs.  Conzelman 's  home,  recently  built  by  her  husband,  is 
one  of  the  most  beautiful  in  the  city.  Into  it  has  been  placed 
everything  which  wealth  and  taste  could  suggest  for  its  adorn- 
ment. The  family  consists  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Conzelman  and 
their  two  sons,  bright  boys  of  nine  and  six  years  of  age.  In 
this  lovely  home,  with  her  husband  and  her  children,  Mrs. 
Conzelman  counts  herself  most  happy,  and  enjoys  the  beauty 
of  her  home  and  the  companionship  of  her  loved  ones  more 
than  anything  else.  Those  who  know  her  best  have  called  her 
home  life  idyllic,  and  she  covets  such  distinction  more  than 
any  honor  which  can  be  conferred  upon  her.  To  create  a  beau- 
tiful home-life  is  a  true  woman's  most  womanly  work,  and 
its  achievement  is  too  often  lightly  considered. 

While  Mrs.  Conzelman  must  prize  the  social  distinction 
which  is  hers,  and  enjoy  the  environment  of  the  culture  in 
which  her  life  is  passed,  above  all  she  counts  herself  most  blest 
in  her  beautiful  home-life,  most  happy  in  making  others  glad. 


William  jf, 


' 


iBtlltam 


In  this  age  of  materialism,  it  is  with  pleasure  a  life  is  re- 
viewed which,  while  it  is  synonymous  with  material  success,  is 
also  identical  with  interest  in  art,  literature,  the  best  political 
effort  and  church  work. 

Such  a  life  is  that  of  William  J.  Conzelman,  of  Pekin, 
111.  He  was  born  in  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  May  20, 1865.  His  father 
was  Dr.  John  Conzelman,  a  native  of  Germany,  his  mother 
Louise  (Graf)  Conzelman,  born  in  Switzerland.  From  them 
he  inherited  the  indomitable  energy  and  untiring  persever- 
ance which  have  been  such  important  factors  in  his  success.  In 
1881,  he  began  his  business  career,  working  first  seven  years 
for  the  Simmons  Hardware  Co.,  of  St.  Louis,  and  later  for 
E.  H.  Linley,  of  the  same  city.  He  was  ambitious  and  anxious 
to  work  independently,  and  in  1891  moved  to  Pekin,  111.,  and 
engaged  himself  with  the  Star  Distilling  Co.  His  success  has 
been  constant.  He  has  commanded  the  confidence  and  respect 
of  his  business  colleagues,  and  occupies  many  positions  of  re- 
sponsibility. He  is  one  of  the  managers  of  the  Standard  Dis- 
tillery and  Distributing  Co.'s  plants  at  Pekin,  is  President 
of  the  Tazewell  Hotel,  President  of  the  Peoria  Oil  and  Mining 
Co.,  Director  in  the  American  Truss  Fence  Co.  and  of  the 
Pekin  Library. 

Politically  he  is  a  staunch  Republican,  and  has  been  ac- 

195 


196  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

tive  in  campaign  work,  doing  much  to  secure  the  nomination 
of  Gov.  Yates,  in  Tazewell  County.  He  is  Colonel  on  Gov. 
Yates'  staff,  and  is  interested  in  projects  which  are  engag- 
ing the  attention  of  the  Chief  Executive  of  the  State.  While 
positive  in  his  convictions  and  loyal  to  his  principles,  Mr.  Con- 
zelman is  a  man  of  broad  views  and  great  liberality  of  thought. 
Thus,  while  maintaining  his  own  individuality  in  all  that  he 
does,  he  does  not  antagonize  those  who  differ  from  him  in 
opinion.  As  he  has  kept  in  touch  with  business  and  politi- 
cal life,  he  has  not  ignored  the  claims  of  society,  of  art  and 
literature,  of  benevolence  and  religion.  He  is  a  member  of 
St.  Paul's  Evangelical  Church,  and  of  other  religious  and 
charitable  organizations.  He  has  built  for  himself  and  fam- 
ily one  of  the  most  elegant  homes  in  and  about  Pekin,  and 
has  no  greater  pride  than  its  adornment,  no  greater  happiness 
than  in  the  society  of  his  beautiful  and  accomplished  wife. 
Such  men  as  Mr.  Conzelman  are  an  honor  to  any  community, 
and  certainly  the  people  of  Pekin  have  shown  their  appre- 
ciation of  his  integrity,  executive  ability  and  sound  judgment 
in  every  possible  way. 

Too  rare  are  the  instances  where  a  business  man,  a  man 
immersed  in  political  affairs,  recognizes  higher  claims  and 
makes  opportunity  in  his  crowded  life  for  church  work  and 
kindred  demands. 

Mr.  Conzelman  has  been  twice  elected  Mayor  of  Pekin, 
the  second  time  with  the  largest  majority  ever  given  a  Mayor 
in  that  city. 


Cfieotrore  Cjjomas. 


THEODORE    THOMAS. 


Cfjeotrore 


Theodore  Thomas— the  name  means  much  to  music  in 
America— was  born  in  Essen,  Hanover,  and  came  to  America 
when  ten  years  of  age.  He  is,  therefore,  in  every  real  sense 
of  the  word  an  American  musician  and,  in  the  minds  of  a  large 
majority  of  American  people,  he  is  the  foremost  in  his  pro- 
fession. His  father,  who  was  a  violinist,  gave  him  instruc- 
tion when  very  young,  and  at  the  age  of  six  he  played  the 
nolin  in  public  most  creditably.  When  the  Jenny  Lind,  Sonn- 
tag,  Grisi  and  Mario  companies  gave  their  concerts  in  this 
country,  Mr.  Thomas  was  the  first  violinist,  playing  as  well  in 
the  Italian  companies,  with  whom  they  sang,  often  conducting 
the  performances.  An  able  critic  writes:  "It  is  due  Mr. 
Thomas  to  say  that  he  has  established  a  new  ideal  of  orches- 
;ral  work,  and  throughout  his  long  career  he  has  continued  to 
maintain  the  highest  standard  his  musicians  could  achieve, 
raising  it  as  fast  as  the  ability  of  the  orchestra  could  follow." 

It  was  in  1866  that  he  engaged  himself  for  orchestral 
tfork  on  a  large  scale.  The  orchestra  organized  for  the  sum- 
ner  concerts  at  Terrace  Garden,  and  after  two  years  removed 
:o  Central  Park  Garden,  saw  the  beginning  of  a  move- 
nent  destined  to  create  a  new  epoch  in  American  musical  his- 
tory. All  lovers  of  high-class  music  will  remember  the  first 

199 


200  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

tour  of  the  Thomas'  Orchestra,  in  1869.  Neither  this  nor  the 
second,  nor  the  third,  tour  paid  expenses,  but,  in  spite  of  all 
discouragements,  Mr.  Thomas  was  determined  to  build  up 
among  the  American  people  a  good  and  lasting  taste  for  or- 
chestral music.  In  him  the  public  soon  recognized  a  graceful 
and  masterful  conductor,  and  felt  the  force  of  his  person- 
ality. Men  and  women  of  culture  discussed  the  merits  of  the 
new  era  in  music,  and  sent  the  current  of  appreciation  in  ah1 
directions.  During  the  following  tours  through  all  the  lead- 
ing cities,  it  became  apparent  that  the  orchestral  innovation 
had  grown  into  a  great  educational  power  and  an  inspiration 
in  art.  People  traveled  scores  and  hundreds  of  miles  to  its 
concerts  in  the  cities  of  the  Eastern  and  Western  States. 

The  present  knowledge  and  appreciation  of  the  great  mas- 
ters in  the  United  States  are  certainly  largely  owing  to  his 
work.  It  was  he  who  taught  the  people  to  love  Beethoven  and 
appreciate  Wagner;  and  he  was  also  the  first  to  play  the 
works  of  Berlioz,  Saint-Saens,  Dvorak,  Richard  Strauss, 
Tschaikowsky,  and  many  others.  He  was  among  the  first  to 
bring  out  the  works  of  American  composers,  and  has  always 
been  a  leading  spirit  in  every  progressive  movement.  Some 
important  questions  were,  in  consequence,  understood  earlier 
in  this  country  than  in  Europe,  owing  to  his  catholic  spirit, 
which  kept  him  abreast  of  the  most  modern  European  thought 
and  often  in  advance  of  its  practice.  He  established  in  this 
country  the  low  pitch  of  the  orchestra,  and  introduced  uni- 
form bowing.  In  1891,  he  left  New  York  City  and  moved  to 
Chicago,  where  he  became  the  Musical  Director  of  the  World's 
Columbian  Exposition,  and  of  the  Chicago  Orchestra,  which 
last  he  has  developed  till  it  is  now  universally  ranked  with 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  201 

the  best  existing.  Not  the  least  of  his  labors  has  been  the 
conducting  of  great  biennial  musical  festivals  in  Cincinnati 
for  a  period  of  more  than  thirty  consecutive  years. 

It  is  impossible  in  a  brief  history  to  give  any  real  idea  of 
the  immense  work  done  by  this  wonderful  leader  and  musi- 
cian, but  a  partial  list  of  enterprises  with  which  he  has  been 
connected  will  be  a  suggestion  of  what  he  has  accomplished 
since  1864,  when  he  founded  the  Thomas  Orchestra.  That 
same  year  he  began  a  series  of  symphony  soirees,  which  he 
continued  till  1867.  He  was  the  Musical  Director  of  the  Cin- 
cinnati College  of  Music  from  1878  to  1880,  and  of  the  Brook- 
lyn Philharmonic  Orchestra  in  1863,  1866-67-68,  and  from 
1873  to  1891,  continuously.  He  was  Musical  Director  of  the 
New  York  Philharmonic  Orchestra  from  1877  to  1891 ;  of  the 
American  Opera  Company,  1885-87,  and,  as  is  well  known,  of 
the  Chicago  Orchestra  since  1891.  He  has  been  also,  at  vari- 
ous times,  Musical  Director  of  the  following  choruses,  New 
York  Mendelssohn  Union,  New  York  Chorus  Society,  New 
York  German  Liederkranz  and  Brooklyn  Philharmonic 
Chorus. 

In  1870,  Mr.  Thomas  made  a  tour  with  his  entire  orches- 
tra through  the  country,  and  since  that  time  his  name  has  been 
familiar  to  every  lover  of  music. 

The  innumerable  May  festivals  throughout  the  country 
may  be  legitimately  counted  among  the  fruits  of  Mr.  Thomas' 
labors,  and,  with  the  many  other  festivals  given  under  his  di- 
rection, have  attracted  the  attention  of  the  musical  world.  It 
is  a  notable  fact,  worthy  of  mention,  that  he  has  repeatedly 
given  works  simultaneously  with  their  first  performance  in 
Euorpe,  and  often  compositions  have  been  played  here  before 


202  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

they  had  been  publicly  produced  in  their  homes  across  the 
water. 

Mr.  Thomas  possesses  in  a  marked  degree  those  qualities 
which  would  have  made  him  a  leader  in  any  walk  of  life. 

He  is  systematic,  thorough,  a  strict  disciplinarian,  yet 
courteous  and  gentle  in  manners.  He  never  imposes  condi- 
tions on  his  men  which  he  does  not  accept  for  himself,  and  he 
shows  the  same  consideration  for  their  comfort  as  for  his  own. 
As  an  educator  and  a  musician  he  ranks  among  the  greatest 
men  of  the  day. 

Possibly  few  realize  the  tremendous  financial  difficulties 
with  which  Mr.  Thomas  has  had  to  contend  in  establishing  and 
maintaining  the  work  of  the  Chicago  Orchestra.  In  spite  of 
such  discouragement  Mr.  Thomas  has  persevered,  and  Chi- 
cago is  justly  proud  of  this  institution  and  its  famous  leader. 


(ienebtebe  Clark  Wilson. 


One  of  the  most  pleasing  concert  and  oratorio  singers  of 
the  West,  a  favorite  wherever  she  is  heard,  is  Mrs.  Genevieve 
Clark  Wilson,  of  Chicago.  She  was  born  in  Galesville,  Wis., 
into  an  artistic  environment,  for  both  her  parents  were  musi- 
cal. Her  early  training  was  under  their  supervision,  and  was 
of  the  strictest  kind,  thus  laying  the  best  foundation  possible 
for  future  instruction.  This  home  education  was  followed  by 
the  best  tuition  which  the  location  afforded.  Her  progress 
and  her  talent  seemed  to  warrant  her  making  music  her  pro- 
fession, and  demanded  the  best  equipment  for  such  work. 
The  really  serious  preparation  for  her  professional  life  was 
begun  in  Boston,  under  J.  C.  D.  Parker,  for  piano,  and  Frank 
Morse,  for  the  voice.  While  in  Boston,  she  was  also  particu- 
larly fitted  for  teaching,  and  later  filled  several  prominent 
positions  with  credit  to  herself.  She  was,  for  some  time,  head 
of  the  vocal  department  of  the  Illinois  State  Blind  Institu- 
tion. In  1896,  she  studied  oratorio,  for  which  she  is  particu- 
larly well  adapted,  with  Henschel,  in  London,  and  returned 
to  America  unusually  well  trained  for  this  difficult  line  of 
musical  work.  Since  her  return  she  has  sung  with  most  of 
the  prominent  musical  organizations  of  the  country.  Among 

them  may  be  named  the  Handel  and  Haydn  Society,  the  Ce- 

"  205 


206  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

cilia  and  Apollo  Clubs  and  the  Symphony  Orchestra,  all  of 
Boston. 

In  Chicago  she  has  appeared  many  times  as  soloist  with 
the  Thomas'  Orchestra  and  Chicago  Symphony  Orchestra, 
and  with  the  Apollo  and  Mendelssohn  Clubs.  In  addition  to 
these,  she  has  sung  in  connection  with  nearly  all  the  smaller 
orchestras  and  musical  clubs  of  Chicago  and  vicinity,  and  has 
won  the  highest  encomiums  wherever  she  has  appeared.  Mrs. 
Wilson  has  a  most  delightful  voice.  Clear,  and  of  wide  range, 
with  great  volume,  it  is  full  of  expression  and  the  sympathetic 
quality  which  brings  the  listener  at  once  en  rapport  with  the 
singer.  Her  stage  presence  is  charming;  unaffected  and 
graceful,  she  wins  her  audience  even  before  she  begins  to  sing. 
For  years  her  church  choir  positions  have  been  the  most  lucra- 
tive of  any  soprano  in  the  West.  She  is  at  present  singing 
at  the  Kenwood  Evangelical  Church.  Her  time  has  been  so 
fully  occupied  with  her  concert,  choir  and  other  public  work 
that  her  teaching  has  been  of  necessity  limited. 

She  is,  however,  a  rarely  sucessful  teacher,  enthusiastic, 
conscientious,  painstaking  and  inspiring.  She  is  greatly  in- 
terested in  pupils  who  are  ambitious  to  make  a  reputation  for 
themselves,  and,  in  addition  to  the  usual  routine  work  of  a 
teacher,  gladly  gives  them  the  benefit  of  her  experience.  As 
a  result  many  prominent  young  musicians  have  been  and  are 
among  her  pupils. 


MKS.    CAHHIB   JACOBS-BOXD. 


Athough  a  native  of  Janesville,  Wis.,  the  musical  achieve- 
ments of  Mrs.  Carrie  Jacobs-Bond  have  been  so  a  part  of  her 
life  in  Illinois  that  the  music  and  poetry-loving  public  of  Illi- 
nois and  Chicago  claim  her  as  their  very  own. 

From  earliest  childhood  Carrie  Bond  was  devoted  to 
music,  always  writing  and  singing  the  little  tunes  that  rang 
in  her  baby-heart.  When  only  four  years  old,  with  one  tiny 
finger  she  played  many  airs,  and  when  seven,  played  any- 
thing she  heard,  omitting  the  octaves  which  her  little  hand 
could  not  grasp.  When  nine  years  of  age  she  gave  a  re- 
markable exhibition  of  her  phenomenal  musical  ear.  Blind 
Tom  was  playing  in  Janesville,  and  giving  his  customary  ex- 
hibitions of  his  ready  ear  for  music  by  playing  after  other 
compositions  he  had  never  heard  before.  Ah  old  man  rose  in 
the  audience  and  said :  "  A  little  girl  here  can  do  that. "  Blind 
Tom  smiled  and  said:  "  Send  her  here;  she  has  never  heard 
this,  for  I  composed  it,"  and  played  the  march  which  has  since 
become  famous. 

The  child  listened,  and  then,  to  the  astonishment  of  the 
audience,  played  it  accurately,  except  the  octaves,  and  has 
never  forgotten  it.  In  her  characteristic  way,  Mrs.  Bond 

says:  "  This  is,  I  believe,  the  onlv  remarkable  thing  I  ever 

209 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 


did,"  a  statement  which  will  hardly  receive  endorsement  from 
those  who  know  best  what  she  has  accomplished.  In  1888  she 
was  married  to  Dr.  Prank  Bond,  and  went  to  Northern  Michi- 
gan, where  they  had  their  home  in  the  midst  of  a  forest,  Dr. 
Bond  being  physician  to  the  miners  of  that  district.  Their 
life  was  ideal  in  its  happiness,  and  out  of  her  glad  heart,  to 
please  her  lover-husband,  she  began  to  write  songs.  Impressed 
with  their  merit,  Dr.  Bond  urged  her  to  come  to  Chicago, 
bring  her  two  best  songs  with  her  and  submit  them  to  the  judg- 
ment of  competent  critics. 

She  came  and  met  "Amber,"  beloved  and  lamented  by  so 
many  thousands,  and  through  her  obtained  entrance  into  the 
most  coveted  circles.  Of  her ' '  Amber  ' '  wrote, ' '  A  dear  tramp 
who  came  in  one  day  to  leave  a  song,  and  stole  my  heart  away. " 
Greatly  encouraged  by  this  gifted  woman,  she  offered  her 
songs  to  Brainerd  Sons,  who  at  once  accepted  them.  After 
three  months  in  Chicago  she  returned  home,  and  began  in 
earnest  the  work  of  composition.  In  about  a  year,  1895,  Dr. 
Bond,  as  the  result  of  an  accident,  died  suddenly.  Dazed 
with  grief,  the  desolate  wife  turned  to  "Amber,"  and  they 
planned  a  home  together ;  but  five  weeks  after  Dr.  Bond  passed 
away  "Amber's  "  brave,  sweet  soul  entered  into  rest.  Doubly 
bereft,  Mrs.  Bond  tried  to  see  through  tears  what  might  be 
left  for  her  in  life.  Feeling  it  would  best  please  the  husband 
whose  memory  she  idolizes,  she  gathered  her  slender  resources 
together  and  went  to  hear  the  music  of  the  old  world.  While 
there  she  received  great  encouragement  from  Frances  Allitson 
and  others,  and  after  six  months  returned  to  Chicago,  where 
seven  years  of  constant  endeavor  have  brought  reward. 

She  has  been  her  own  promoter,  giving  recitals,  and  thus 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  211 

introducing  her  songs  and  verses  to  the  public,  and  for  the 
past  two  years  her  own  publisher,  carrying  on  this  work  in 
her  home.  This  business  is  conducted  successfully,  but  in  a 
very  feminine  way ;  but  Mrs.  Bond  is  a  very  feminine  woman, 
from  whom  success  has  stolen  none  of  the  charm  of  a  sweet, 
magnetic  personality.  She  has  published  one  hundred  and 
twenty-five  musical  compositions,  most  of  them  songs,  and  a 
booklet, "  Little  Stories  in  Verse,"  of  which  the  first  edition — 
one  thousand  copies — is  exhausted.  Her  verses  remind  one 
of  James  Whitcomb  Riley,  being  pictures  of  heart -life  told  in 
dainty  dialect.  Three  books  of  ballads,  one  of  seven,  one  of 
eleven,  the  last  of  twelve  songs,  have  been  published  by  her, 
and  are  being  sung  everywhere,  receiving  endorsement  from 
the  finest  musical  critics  and  used  by  the  best  teachers  in  the 
country. 

Mrs.  Bond  has  put  herself  into  all  she  has  done.  Some- 
one has  said:  "  No  one  can  sing  well  till  the  heart  is  broken;" 
the  sorrow  of  her  life  has  been  her  inspiration,  and  from  her 
own  heart  she  has  sung  to  the  heart  of  humanity  and  won  it. 

From  Berlin  David  Ffrangeon  Davies  wrote:  "  I  am 
fond  of  violets  *  *  *  that 's  way  I  like  your  little  songs.  *  *  * 
There's  work  in  the  world  for  such  as  you.  Many  thousands 
are  awaiting  your  message. "  From  Nordica,  David  Bispham, 
Genevra  Johnstone  Bishop,  Amy  Fay,  Bogea  Oumiroff,  and 
many  others,  she  has  received  the  most  flattering  letters  and 
the  heartiest  endorsement  possible— their  use  of  her  songs. 
Among  many  distinguished  patrons  she  counts  none  dearer 
than  Mrs.  Gov.  Yates,  who  has  been  her  friend  and  helper  in 
the  struggle  of  the  years,  for  the  road  to  fame  is  not  flower- 
strewn.  While  now  she  is  laurel-wreathed,  with  the  sunshine 


212  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

of  success  about  her,  there  have  been  cloudy  days,  and  days  of 
struggle  for  this  brave  heart. 

When  her  first  book  of  songs  was  issued  there  appeared 
on  the  cover  an  artistic  wreath  of  wild  roses,  enclosing  the 
words  "  Unpretentious  as  a  wild  rose,"  and  this  has  come  to 
be  the  emblem  of  her  work.  Eejoicing  in  her  success,  feeling 
it  a  tribute  to  the  one  so  dearly  loved,  so  early  gone  before,  her 
life  is  full  of  ministries  to  those  in  sorrow,  and  through  verse 
and  ballad  she  is  a  daily  inspiration  to  thousands  who  read  her 
earnest  words  or  voice  her  sweet  songs. 


Ir.  George  JF. 


DR.    GKOKGK    F.    EOOT. 


.  (George  JF.  Moot 


Gifted  composer,  successful  teacher,  sweet  singer,  few 
men  have  so  interwoven  themselves  with  the  musical  history 
of  this  country  as  did  the  late  Dr.  George  F.  Eoot. 

He  was  born  in  Sheffield,  Mass.,  Aug.  20,  1820,  and  lived 
there  for  the  first  six  years  of  his  life,  when  North  Reading, 
near  Boston,  became  his  home. 

Always  passionately  fond  of  music,  he  learned  to  play 
every  instrument  within  his  reach,  and  the  dream  of  his  life, 
from  childhood,  was  to  be  a  musician. 

In  1838,  through  the  influence  of  friends,  he  began  the 
study  of  the  piano  at  Harmony  Hall,  Boston,  sweeping  and 
cleaning  rooms,  doing  part  janitor  service  to  gain  the  coveted 
instruction. 

His  teacher,  Mr.  Johnson,  recognized  very  soon  the  talent 
of  his  pupil,  and  also  the  fact  that  his  best  success  would  lie 
in  teaching  and  in  his  vocal  work.  Six  weeks  after  he  began 
to  study  he  had  his  first  pupil,  a  fact  which  showed  plainly  the 
estimate  his  teacher  placed  on  his  ability  and  progress. 

About  this  time  Lowell  Mason  advertised  for  new  singers 
for  the  Boston  Academy  Chorus,  and  Mr.  Root  joined  that  or- 
ganization. Soon  after,  he  became  a  member  of  the  famous 
Bowdoin  St.  Choir,  and  also  a  pupil  of  George  James  "Webb, 

at  that  time  the  best  vocal  teacher  in  Boston.    From  1840  to 

215 


216  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

1844,  he  was  associated  with  Mr.  Johnson  in  musical  work,  di- 
viding with  him  service  as  organist,  teacher,  and  beginning 
the  teaching  of  music  in  public  schools.  In  1844,  he  was  in- 
vited to  New  York  to  sing  at  a  musicale.  with  a  view  to  becom- 
ing associated  with  Mr.  Abbott,  the  well-known  educator,  and 
also  to  the  obtaining  of  a  position  in  the  Mercer  St.  Church, 
of  that  city.  His  appearance  was  a  great  success,  and  he  at 
once  moved  to  New  York. 

From  this  time  every  hour  was  crowded  with  work.  As  a 
result,  in  1850,  his  health  failed  him,  and  his  physician  pre- 
scribed change  and  rest  as  imperative.  He  went  to  Paris  and, 
later,  to  London,  but  during  his  absence  of  more  than  a  year 
he  was  not  idle.  He  heard  many  celebrities,  investigated  vari- 
ous methods,  and  returned  in  1851,  improved  in  health  and  with 
new  enthusiasm  for  his  work.  About  this  time  he  published 
his  first  book  for  schools,  entitled  "Academy  Vocalist,"  and 
soon  after,  for  choir  use,  "  The  Shawm,"  which  had  a  large 
circulation,  and  the  cantata  of  "  Daniel."  The  firm  of  Root  & 
Cady  was  established  during  this  year  in  Chicago,  Mr.  E.  T. 
Root,  brother  of  George  F.,  being  a  member  of  the  firm.  In 
1852  he  published  his  first  successful  song,  "  Hazel  Dell,"  and 
soon  after  "  The  Shining  Shore  "  (which  has  been  sung  in  al- 
most every  known  language),  "  Rosalie,  the  Prairie  Flower," 
and  other  sweet  ballads.  In  1858,  he  became  one  of  the  firm  of 
Root  &  Cady,  of  Chicago,  and  thus  first  identified  himself  with 
the  musical  work  of  that  city. 

In  1859,  he  became  associated  with  the  Normal  Institute 
at  North  Reading,  Mass.,  and  from  that  time  labored  inde- 
fatigably  and  successfully  in  Normal  work  all  over  the  coun- 
try. He  delighted  in  this  line  of  work,  and  seemed  to  have  a 


DR.    GEORGE   F.   ROOT.  217 

special  genius  for  it.  His  genial  presence  and  sweet  voice  be- 
came most  widely  known,  and  his  methods  and  ambitions  ob- 
tained cordial  recognition  from  the  best  music  teachers  of  the 
land.  From  1861  to  1870  he  made  Chicago  his  home,  and 
wrote  the  war  songs  which,  alone,  would  have  made  him  fam- 
ous. Who  has  not  felt  the  thrill  of  patriotism  when  ' '  Tramp, 
Tramp,  Tra^mp  "  has  been  sung  or  played"?  "  Just  Before  the 
Battle,  Mother,"  "  The  Battle-cry  of  Freedom,"  "  The  Vacant 
Chair  ' '  are  a  few  of  the  very  many  songs  he  wrote  which  have 
stirred  the  very  hearts  of  the  people.  Always  busy  with  Nor- 
mal work,  or  at  his  desk  composing,  he  again  overtaxed  his 
strength,  and  his  health  failed.  He  was  urged  to  go  abroad, 
but  did  not  feel  equal  to  the  ocean  trip.  He  began  (his  own 
idea)  a  series  of  exercises  on  the  principle  of  the  "  Health- 
lift,"  and  thus  effected  his  own  cure,  and  really  started  what 
has  since  become  a  widely  practiced  treatment. 

In  1876,  he  sailed  for  Glasgow,  Scotland,  and  after  a  de- 
lightful vacation  returned  to  prosecute  his  beloved  work  with 
renewed  vigor.  He  and  his  daughter,  Mrs.  Clara  Louise 
Burnham,  enjoyed  working  together,  and  wrote  a  well-known 
Christmas  cantata,  "  The  Flower-Queen,"  etc. 

Dr.  Root  was  a  very  prolific  writer,  and  much  of  his  music 
has  gained  a  prominent  place  among  the  favorite  songs,  can- 
tatas and  hymns  of  this  country.  His  was  a  generous  nature, 
and  his  delight  was  to  help  others.  In  1859,  a  musical  society 
was  greatly  in  debt.  Dr.  Root  gave  his  cantata,  "  The  Hay- 
makers," twice  and  cleared  off  the  debt.  This  society  be- 
came, in  1875,  the  Apollo  Club,  of  Chicago,  with  Mr.  Tomlins 
as  leader. 

Mr.  Moody  felt  that  Dr.  Root's  hymns  were  of  great  value 


218  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

to  him,  and  called  his  "  Come  to  the  Saviour  "  the  "  Rally 
Round  the  Flag  "  among  sacred  songs. 

Dr.  Root's  home  was  in  Hyde  Park,  where  most  of  his 
family  still  live.  The  family  was  exceptionally  musical,  and 
his  pleasure  in  the  music  of  his  home  circle  was  one  of  the 
greatest  and  most  sacred  delights  of  his  life. 

He  died  in  the  midst  of  his  usefulness,  enshrined,  as  few 
have  ever  been,  in  the  hearts  of  music-lovers  all  over  the  coun- 
try. 

So  long  as  patriotism,  love  of  home  and  love  of  God  shall 
endure,  so  long  will  the  hymns  and  the  songs  of  Dr.  George 
F.  Root  have  a  place  among  the  best  musical  publications  of 
America. 


Jfames 


JAMES  GILL 


Among  Chicago  musicians  who  have  been  identified  for 
many  years  with  the  advancement  of  musical  interests,  per- 
haps no  one  is  more  widely  known  than  James  Gill. 

He  was  born  in  Glasgow,  Scotland,  and  derived  his  musi- 
cal talent  from  his  father,  who  was  devoted  to  the  violin. 
When  five  years  old,  he  lost  his  parents,  and  the  rest  of  his 
youth  was  a  continuous  struggle  with  relatives,  who  dis- 
couraged his  idea  of  making  music  his  profession.  He  was 
Scotch,  however,  and  that  means  he  persisted  till  he  tri- 
umphed over  obstacles.  Sent  to  Paisley,  at  the  death  of  his 
parents,  to  live  with  an  aunt,  he  earned  enough  money  play- 
ing the  organ  for  the  Swedenborgian  Church  and  drawing  de- 
signs for  Paisley  shawls  to  pay  his  first  year  in  the  Leipsic 
Conservatory,  which  he  entered  in  1867.  He  made  such  rapid 
progress  there  that  friends  came  to  his  aid.  In  the  third  year 
his  name,  with  that  of  Charles  Dodge,  another  musician  who 
has  taught  in  Chicago,  was  put  on  the  list  of  competitors  for 
the  first  prize.  Both  names  were,  however,  excluded,  in  ac- 
cordance with  a  decision  that  only  Germans  were  eligible. 
His  first  public  appearance  was  in  1870,  in  the  Gewand  Haus, 
the  celebrated  concert  hall  in  Leipsic.  He  came  to  Chicago 
the  year  after  the  fire,  with  Dr.  Ziegfeld,  who  went  to  Ger- 
many after  him.  Since  that  time  Mr.  Gill  has  been  identified 

221 


2-22  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

with  the  musical  progress  of  Chicago.  During  the  existence 
of  the  Beethoven  Society  he  sang  many  of  the  principal  bari- 
tone roles.  He  has  been  the  teacher  of  singing  at  the  North- 
western University  and  chorister  of  the  Grace  M.  E.  Church, 
Chicago. 

Mr.  Gill  had  the  honor,  in  1870,  of  singing  at  Weimar,  un- 
der the  direction  of  Liszt. 

For  three  years  he  conducted  most  successfully  a  large 
chorus  choir  at  the  First  Baptist  Church,  in  Elgin,  111.  In 
connection  with  this  work  he  gave  several  concerts  in  Elgin 
and  one  in  Rockf  ord.  After  hearing  him  sing  in  one  of  these 
concerts,  a  local  paper  wrote—"  Mr.  Gill  is  built  for  a  singer 
of  humorous  songs,  so  jolly  is  his  appearance.  When  he 
laughs  the  audience  cannot  help  doing  the  same." 

The  past  year  he  has  met  with  a  great  loss  in  the  death 
of  his  wife.  Mrs.  Gill  was  a  charming  woman,  and  played 
accompaniments  with  rare  tact  and  taste. 

Mr.  Gill  is  an  enthusiast  in  his  profession,  loyal  in  his 
friendships,  personally  interested  in  the  success  of  his  pupils 
—not  only  those  under  his  present  instruction  but  those  who 
were  students  with  him  in  the  past. 

No  one  rejoices  more  than  he  in  the  advance  which  music 
has  made  in  the  years  since  he  first  became  identified  with  the 
musical  life  of  Chicago ;  no  one  can  be  more  sanguine  for  the 
future. 


.  Clara  $.  &cott 


MRS.  CLARA  H.  SCOTT. 


ffiv*.  (ffilara 


The  history  of  music  in  Illinois  would  be  incomplete  with- 
out mention  of  Mrs.  Clara  H.  Scott,  who  enjoyed  the  distinc- 
tion of  being  the  first  woman  to  prepare  and  publish  an  an- 
them book.  She  was  born,  December  3,  1841,  in  Elk  Grove, 
Cook  County,  111.,  her  father,  Abel  Fiske  Jones,  being  an  ex- 
cellent teacher  of  rudimentary  music,  and  her  mother,  Sarah 
Rockwell,  being  also  musical.  From  her  maternal  grand- 
father, a  clergyman,  she  inherited  the  clear  faith  which  un- 
derlies her  religious  compositions.  Her  childhood  was  lived 
close  to  nature.  With  a  dear  brother,  she  sought  the  fields 
and  woods,  and  well  they  knew  the  lore  of  birds  and  flowers, 
a  fit  curriculum  from  which  to  lay  the  foundation  of  a  true 
education. 

At  the  age  of  eleven,  she  was  placed  in  one  of  the  pre- 
paratory schools  in  Chicago,  under  the  tuition  of  the  founder 
of  the  then  only  Normal  School  in  this  country.  In  this  rare 
atmosphere  was  greatly  developed  the  deep  determination  of 
character  which  has  surmounted  many  obstacles,  not  only  in 
bringing  her  genius  to  the  front,  but  in  giving  to  the  world 
the  vibrations  of  a  true  soul. 

Her  first  introduction  to  the  study  of  harmony  and  com- 
position was  in  1856,  under  the  auspices  of  the  first  musical 
institute  ever  organized  in  Chicago,  conducted  by  C.  M.  Cady. 


2-26  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

A  few  years  later,  her  first  piano  composition  appeared.  At 
the  age  of  eighteen  she  was  called  to  the  charge  of  the  music 
department  of  the  Ladies'  Seminary,  at  Lyons,  Iowa.  For 
years  she  was  before  the  public  in  concert  work,  and  as  the 
conductor  of  cantatas,  conventions  and  minor  work. 

In  1861,  she  married  Henry  Clay  Scott,  son  of  the  late 
Judge  Scott,  of  Arkansas,  who  seconded  his  wife's  efforts  in 
giving  her  musical  gifts  full  sway.  Soon  after,  she  met  Dr. 
Palmer,  now  of  New  York,  to  whose  books  she  became  a 
frequent  contributor.  A  close  student,  the  next  few  years  she 
had  the  best  instruction  within  her  reach,  East  and  West. 
The  result  was  a  large  collection  of  songs  and  piano  composi- 
tion in  sheet  form.  In  1882,  her  "  Royal  Anthem  Book,"  al- 
ready mentioned,  appeared,  and  was  a  great  musical  success. 
Her  pen  was  never  idle,  and,  although  hampered  by  ill  health, 
she  composed  continuously.  Her  subjects  were  almost  wholly 
sacred,  and  she  often  wrote  the  most  beautiful  words  to  her 
own  compositions.  Possibly  her  best  known  anthem  is  "  Oh, 
When  Shall  I  be  Free?"  Her  late  song,  "  God  is  Love,"  and 
her  verses,  "  A  Wanderer,"  will  always  prove  her  ability  to 
sing  and  write  to  the  hearts  of  the  people. 

In  the  midst  of  the  best  work  of  her  life,  she  was  sud- 
denly called  to  the  great  Divine  school  of  harmony,  but  her 
works  do  follow  her. 


William 


William  &  &Jjertoootr. 


One  of  the  world's  greatest  musicians,  admittedly  the 
greatest  of  American  piano  virtuosos,  the  history  of  William 
H.  Sherwood's  life  and  work  is  so  familiar  as  hardly  to  need 
recapitulation  to  American  readers. 

He  was  born  at  Lyons,  N.  Y.,  and  began  the  study  of 
music  with  his  father,  Rev.  L.  H.  Sherwood,  M.  A.,  who 
founded  the  Lyons  Musical  Academy.  His  father  was  his 
principal  instructor  until,  at  the  age  of  seventeen,  he  went 
abroad.  His  European  teachers  were  Theodore  Kullak  and 
Deppe,  in  Berlin;  Liszt,  in  Weimar,  (piano)  ;  Scatson  Clark, 
in  Stuttgart,  (organ)  ;  Dr.  Weitzmann,  Carl  Doppler,  R. 
Wuerst  and  E.  V.  Richter,  (theory,  counterpoint  and  composi- 
tion). 

He  played  at  the  Singakademie  in  Berlin,  when  eighteen 
years  old,  and  the  Spenersche  Zeitung  said  of  him—"  The 
greatest  interest  of  all  was  awakened  by  a  young  man  named 
Sherwood,  who  played  Chopin's  F  Minor  Fantaisie  with  such 
fine  feeling,  both  in  touch  and  conception,  that  even  in  one 
satiated  with  music,  as  ourselves,  it  produced  the  deepest  emo- 
tions." He  also  played  Beethoven's  Emperor  Concerto  with 
full  orchestra,  under  the  direction  of  Royal  Capellmeister 
Wuerst,  before  an  audience  of  four  thousand  people,  and  pro- 
duced so  great  an  impression  that  he  repeated  the  perform- 

229 


230  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

ance  five  times  in  Berlin.  He  was  the  first  pianist  to  play 
Grieg 's  Concerto  in  America,  having  studied  it  with  the  com- 
poser and  played  it  for  its  second  production  in  Germany. 
With  the  great  Philharmonic  Orchestra  in  Hamburg  he  re- 
ceived an  ovation,  being  encored  many  times  and  receiving  a 
fanfare  from  the  orchestra. 

He  had  various  offers  to  play  with  the  great  orchestras 
of  Germany,  but  Mr.  Sherwood  is  a  true  American,  and  re- 
turned to  his  native  land.  He  has  played  with  unvarying  suc- 
cess in  the  large  cities  of  the  United  States  and  Canada,  and 
has  received  unstinted  praise  from  the  public  and  press  critics. 

Mr.  Sherwood  is  an  untiring  student,  as  is  evinced  by  the 
fact  that  during  the  past  four  or  five  years  he  has  evolved 
more  and  better  results  than  during  any  corresponding  period 
of  his  career. 

His  book  on  "  Music  Study  and  Interpretative  Tech- 
nique "  will  unfold  his  best  thought,  and  is  different  from  any- 
thing of  the  kind  ever  before  attempted  in  print.  Some  of 
America's  most  distinguished  artists  have  "been  Mr.  Sher- 
wood's pupils.  That  he  believes  in  the  just  recognition  and 
remuneration  of  American  talent  is  evidenced  by  articles  from 
his  pen  which  have  appeared  in  Chicago's  daily  papers. 

Of  a  genial  nature,  Mr.  Sherwood  is  never  happier  than 
in  the  encouragement  of  real  talent,  and  takes  greatest  pride 
in  the  successes  of  young  aspirants  to  musical  fame. 

His  compositions  and  works  revised  by  him  occupy  a 
place  among  the  best  musical  compositions  of  the  day.  As 
artist,  teacher,  composer,  he  easily  merits  the  prominence 
given  him  not  only  as  one  of  the  best  living  pianists  but  as 
"  the  shining  light  in  the  history  of  music  in  this  country." 


.  ffi.  <£.  gerioecfe. 


A  representative  musician,  a  man  who,  by  his  strong  indi- 
viduality and  thoroughly  artistic  nature,  has  done  much  in  an 
educational  way  for  musical  attainment  in  Chicago,  W.  C.  E. 
Seeboeck,  pianist  and  composer,  occupies  a  most  important  po- 
sition among  the  musicians  of  that  city.  His  mother,  a  pupil 
of  Marchesi,  while  in  Vienna,  was  a  most  charming  singer,  and 
from  her,  no  doubt,  Mr.  Seeboeck  inherits  much  of  his  musical 
talent.  He  is  a  man  of  scholarly  tastes  and  attainments,  hav- 
ing had  the  advantages  of  a  college  education.  In  every  way 
he  had  the  best  possible  instruction,  and  improved  his  oppor- 
tunities. Among  his  teachers  were  Hermann  Gresendener, 
Nettebolm  and  Leo  Hill.  To  the  study  of  music  he  brought 
the  same  honesty  of  purpose  and  untiring  perseverance  which 
characterized  his  college  life.  He  came  to  Chicago  in  1880, 
after  spending  some  eighteen  months  in  St.  Petersburg  to 
complete  certain  studies,  and  at  once  commanded  a  place 
among  the  best  musicians  of  the  city.  The  Chicago  of  1880 
has  made  great  strides  to  become  the  Chicago  of  1903,  but 
Mr.  Seeboeck  has  kept  pace  with  its  growth  and  ambitions  in 
his  own  work,  has  made  himself  a  part  of  the  advancement 
in  its  musical  standards.  As  a  pianist,  Mr.  Seeboeck  has  been 
most  successful,  giving  many  concerts  not  only  in  Chicago,  but 

throughout  the  country.     His  playing  is  remarkable  for  the 

233 


234  BIOGRAPHICAL     SKETCH. 

delicacy  of  his  touch  and  the  exquisite  shading  which  enters 
into  his  interpretation  of  musical  thought.  In  his  composi- 
tions he  has  displayed  great  versatility  of  talent,  and  his  piano 
solos  and  songs  are  widely  known,  and  have  been  well  received 
through  the  country.  A  quintette,  written  by  him,  was  given 
by  the  Bendix  Quartette  and  himself,  and  another  of  his  com- 
positions by  the  same  Quartette  and  Mrs.  Lapham,  at  concerts 
given  by  the  Amateur  Club. 

A  concerto  No.  2,  D  Minor,  composed  by  him,  he  has 
played  with  the  Thomas'  Orchestra,  achieving  unusual  suc- 
cess. As  a  teacher,  Mr.  Seeboeck  is  most  thorough,  present- 
ing the  intellectual  side  of  music  to  his  pupils  in  an  attrac- 
tive way,  inspiring  true  scholarly  ambition  in  every  student. 
In  this  work  he  has  excelled,  with  gratifying  results,  and  the 
large  classes  constantly  under  his  direction  have  been  in- 
structed not  only  in  technique  but  in  the  very  soul  of  musical 
inspiration. 

Mr.  Seeboeck  has  given  many  recitals,  always  with  the 
educational  feature  in  view,  and  has  thus  impressed  his  pupils 
with  the  necessity  of  thoroughness  in  the  veriest  detail  of  their 
work.  That  his  pupils  have  caught  something  of  his  enthusi- 
astic spirit  of  research  is  evidenced  by  the  progress  made  by 
many  of  them.  No  one  can  doubt  but  that  Mr.  Seeboeck 's  un- 
questioned influence  on  the  musical  life  of  Chicago  has  been  al- 
ways for  its  best  achievement  and  the  maintenance  of  the  high- 
est ideals. 


Eunice  <&.  ^ratrforlr  iSutts,  ffi.n. 


Eunice  <&  Evatrfortr  Exitts,  ffiM. 


It  is  interesting  to  note  how  often  a  Puritan  ancestry  is 
given  in  a  review  of  the  lives  of  the  leading  ir.en  and  women 
in  the  American  literary  world.  Possibly  no  historic  name 
appears  more  frequenthr  in  such  connection  than  does  the 
name  of  William  Bradford,  Governor  of  Plymouth  Colony, 
and  re-elected  Governor  of  that  colony  frequently.  Annice  E. 
Bradford  Butts,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  named  after 
her  grandmother,  Annice  Bradford,  who  was  the  wife  of 
Daniel  Butts,  of  Canterbury,  Conn.,  and  the  ninth  direct  de- 
scendant of  the  distinguished  Governor  Wm.  Bradford.  Miss 
Butts  was  born,  September  22,  1844,  in  Rome,  N.  Y.,  and  was 
the  daughter  of  David  K.  Butts  and  Emily  Wilcox  Butts. 
She  was  educated  at  the  Borne  Academy,  and  was  graduated 
from  Stanwix  Seminary,  Rome,  a  branch  school  of  the  Clin- 
ton Liberal  Institute. 

Her  whole  life  has  been  devoted  to  education  and  the  ad- 
vancement of  educational  interests,  and  she  has  achieved  a 
success  in  this  direction  accorded  to  but  few  women. 

She  early  began  her  work  as  a  teacher,  and  was,  from 
1867  to  1871,  Principal  of  the  West  Division  High  School, 
Joliet,  111.;  from  1871  to  1877,  a  teacher  in  Dearborn  Semi- 
nary, Chicago;  from  1881  to  1886,  Principal  of  the  Fifty- 
fourth  St.  School,  Chicago.  Since  that  time,  she  has  been  the 

237 


238  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

Principal  of  Kenwood  Institute,  which  became  an  affiliated 
academy  of  the  University  of  Chicago,  in  1893.  She  has  been 
exceedingly  ambitious  that  the  highest  standard  of  scholar- 
ship should  be  the  aim  of  her  pupils,  and  her  school  has  an  en- 
viable reputation  not  only  in  this  country  but  abroad.  Dur- 
ing the  past  few  years  she  has  spent  some  months  in  Europe, 
but  she  has  gone  not  merely  as  a  tourist  but  as  a  student. 
She  has  spent  much  time  in  the  art  galleries  of  the  old  world, 
familiarizing  herself  with  theii  treasures,  and  has  been  much 
interested  in  the  investigation  of  the  methods  of  education 
employed  in  other  lands. 

Art  history  is  the  subject  which  has  deeply  fascinated 
and  appealed  to  her,  and  to  it  she  has  devoted  years  of  study 
and  research. 

Her  second  trip  to  Paris  was  made  in  1901,  and  at  that 
time  a  branch  of  the  Kenwood  Institute  was  opened  as  a  school 
for  American  girls.  While  there  she  succeeded  in  establish- 
ing a  co-operation  with  the  Franco-English  Guild,  which  has 
been  in  existence  in  Paris  for  ten  years.  During  the  time  she 
has  spent  abroad,  studying  and  storing  her  memory  with  much 
which  escapes  the  ordinary  traveler,  she  has  collected  many 
most  valuable  and  interesting  works  of  art. 

She  is  to-day  just  as  indefatigable  and  earnest  a  student 
as  ever,  and  is  an  inspiration  to  those  fortunate  enough  to 
come  in  touch  with  her  busy  life. 


Hr.  JFrank 


2ir,  Jfranfc  g>  OTfjitman. 


In  reviewing  the  lives  of  the  prominent  men  and  women 
of  Illinois,  one  is  impressed  by  the  fact  that  very  few  of 
them  are  natives  of  that  State.  A  notable  exception  is  Dr. 
Frank  S.  Whitman,  Superintendent  of  the  Illinois  North- 
ern Hospital  for  the  Insane. 

Dr.  Whitman  was  born  in  Belvidere,  Boone  County,  111., 
and  has  lived  there  most  of  his  life.  His  father  was  Hiram 
Whitman,  of  Fail-field,  Vermont,  and  his  mother  Clarinda 
Whitman,  of  Chatauqua,  N.  Y. 

His  early  education  was  received  in  Belvidere  and  at 
Chicago  University,  and  preparation  for  his  professional 
career  was  made  in  Chicago.  He  may,  therefore,  be  called, 
without  reservation,  an  Illinois  man,  and  the  record  of  his 
life  and  its  work  may  be  reviewed  with  pride  by  his  native 
State. 

He  was  graduated  from  Hahnemann  Medical  College,  in 
Chicago,  in  1872,  and  from  the  Chicago  Homoeopathic  Col- 
lege with  the  honorary  degree  ad  eundem,  in  1876.  June  21. 
1877,  he  was  married  in  Belvidere. 

His  fellow-townsmen  have  accorded  to  him  every  honor 
within  their  power  to  bestow.  He  served  as  Coroner  for 
Boone  County,  and  in  the  city  of  Belvidere  has  been  elected 
Alderman,  President  of  the  Board  of  Education,  and  twice  its 

Mavor.    For  twenty  years  he  has  been  a  member  from  Boone 

241 


242  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

County  of  the  Congressional  Committee,  was  once  a  delegate 
to  the  National  Republican  Convention,  and  repeatedly  to 
the  State  Convention.  Recognition  of  his  business  ability 
is  evinced  by  the  fact  that  he  is  the  Vice-President  of  the 
People's  Bank,  of  Belvidere. 

While  a  busy  man,  Dr.  Whitman  keeps  in  touch  with 
whatever  means  advancement  in  his  profession.  He  is  a 
member  of  the  American  Institute  of  Homoeopathy,  of  the 
Illinois  Homoeopathic  Medical  Association  and  of  the  Ameri- 
can Medico-Psychological  Association.  June  12,  1899,  Dr. 
Whitman  was  appointed  Superintendent  of  the  Illinois 
Northern  Hospital  for  the  Insane,  a  position  of  trust  and 
honor  which  he  still  holds,  and  in  which  he  has  shown  him- 
self a  wise  leader  and  competent  advisor,  not  only  profes- 
sionally, but  in  the  many  matters  presented  to  him  for  de- 
cision. 

It  is  by  the  daily  performance  of  life's  tasks,  thoroughly, 
conscientiously  and  persistently,  year  after  year,  that  great- 
ness is  achieved.  Such  has  been  the  history  of  Dr.  Whit- 
man's life.  His  integrity  has  been  absolute,  his  devotion  to 
duty  unfailing,  and  those  who  knew  him  felt  their  interests 
safe  in  his  hands. 

Dr.  Whitman  is  a  man  who  thinks  along  broad  lines,  and 
who  is  interested  in  all  the  vital  questions  of  the  day.  With 
strong  convictions  and  decided  principles,  he  has  also  the 
kindest  heart  and  tenderest  sympathies.  Although  his  life 
has  been  eminently  practical,  he  is  a  man  of  culture  and  is  lit- 
erary in  his  tastes.  Music  and  art  appeal  to  him  strongly,  and 
he  is  keenly  interested  in  all  the  higher  educational  ques- 
tions of  the  day. 


£>.  Matson,  ffi.®. 


9.  ft.  OTatson, 


In  hardly  any  walk  of  life  does  a  man  come  so  closely  in 
touch  with  every  possible  human  experience,  or  have  as  great 
an  opportunity  to  achieve  so  many-sided  an  influence,  as  does 
a  physician.  The  practice  of  his  profession  places  him 
where  the  social,  moral,  intellectual,  as  well  as  the  physical, 
life  is  open  to  his  inspection,  a  tuition  which  should  be  an 
incentive  for  the  best  self-development.  Dr.  J.  S.  Watson, 
of  Aurora,  111.,  is  one  of  those  physicians  who  has  made 
good  use  of  such  wide  and  varied  observation,  and  has 
gained,  not  only  in  his  profession  but  outside  of  it,  a  most 
enviable  reputation.  He  was  born  in  Bealytown,  New  Jer- 
sey, October  10,  1851,  the  son  of  Charles  Watson  and  Char- 
lotte (Trace)  Watson.  His  parents  moved  to  Kane  County, 
111.,  in  1852,  a  county  in  which  he  has  resided  ever  since. 

He  worked  on  his  father's  farm,  near  Kaneville,  111., 
till  1878,  teaching  school  winters,  till  he  was  twenty  years  of 
age.  He  received  his  education  at  the  University  of  Michi- 
gan, from  which  he  was  graduated  as  a  surgeon  and  physi- 
cian of  the  regular  school  of  medicine  in  1881.  and  began  at 
once  to  practice  in  his  profession.  In  1881-82  he  took  a 
post-graduate  course  at  the  Royal  College  of  Surgeons  in 
Edinburgh,  Scotland,  and  on  his  return  practiced  for  seven 

years  in  Elburn,  HI.    In  1889  he  moved  to  Aurora.  111.,  his 

245 


246  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

present  home.  In  1900  he  traveled  through  Europe,  a  trip 
of  professional  profit  as  well  as  pleasure. 

Dr.  Watson  is  an  earnest  student,  desirous  of  being  in 
the  foremost  ranks  of  a  profession  whose  progress  each  year 
is  almost  incredible.  He  is  a  great  reader,  a  keen  observer, 
and  embraces  every  opportunity  for  intelligent  scientific 
investigation  within  his  grasp.  Dr.  Watson  is  fond  of  rare 
and  beautiful  books,  and  in  his  library  may  be  found  some 
of  the  most  desirable  and  costly  books  of  the  day,  embracing 
works  on  music,  art,  and  various  branches  of  literature  and 
science. 

In  1893-94  he  went  to  New  YorK  and  took  another  post- 
graduate course  at  the  College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons 
of  that  city.  He  is  a  man  of  wide  literary  tastes,  fond  of 
music  and  interested  in  the  development  of  the  best  in  art, 
as  well  as  in  literature  and  science.  He  is  known  most 
favorably,  not  only  in  Aurora  but  throughout  that  part  of 
the  State,  as  a  successful  physician  and  skilful  surgeon.  He 
is  one  of  the  attending  physicians  and  surgeons  at  the  St. 
Charles  Hospital,  Aurora,  an  institution  which  is  recognized 
by  the  best  hospitals,  and  has  a  good  standing  among  them. 
Dr.  Watson  was  married,  May  8, 1884,  to  Miss  Eliza  Stewart, 
and  their  pleasant  home  is  the  center  of  much  that  is  at- 
tractive in  the  best  social  life  of  Aurora. 

Dr.  Watson  is  just  starting,  October,  1903,  on  a  tour 
around  the  world,  which  he  hopes  to  accomplish  in  six 
months. 


.  St.  ft.  TOatsmt. 



Son.e  time  since,  an  eminent  physician  wrote  a  most  tak- 
ing little  story,  which  he  called  "  The  Doctor's  Wife."  In 
it  he  portrayed  the  many  ways  not  usually  recognized  in 
which  a  doctor's  wife  is  helpful  to  her  husband,  the  days 
when  she  shares  in  loving  sympathy  his  responsibilities,  re- 
joices in  his  successes,  and  sorrows  when  skill  and  science 
are  baffled.  He  spoke  of  the  lonely  hours  of  which  every 
physician's  wife  knows,  and  the  daily  tax  upon  her  time,  of 
which  few  ever  dream  who  have  never  thought  of  the  pecu- 
liar duties  which  enter  into  the  life  of  the  doctor's  wife.  It 
is  a  glance  into  such  a  life  which  is  here  given.  Eliza  Stew- 
art was  born  in  Campton,  Keene  Co.,  Illinois.  Her  father 
was  John  Stewart,  of  New  Brunswick;  her  mother  Martha 
(Thomas)  Stewart,  of  Pennsylvania.  She  was  first  grad- 
uated from  the  High  School  of  Geneva,  111.;  later  attended 
Ferry  Hall,  which  is  a  part  of  the  Lake  Forest  University 
regime. 

She  was  married  May  8,  1884,  to  Dr.  J.  S.  Watson,  a 
widely  known  physician  of  Aurora,  where  they  now  reside. 
Dr.  and  Mrs.  Watson  have  four  children,  two  daughters, 
Helen  and  Margaret,  and  two  sons,  Stewart  and  Dean.  The 
home  is  always  full  of  pleasure  for  these  four  children  and 
their  companions,  and  its  atmosphere  is  not  only  that  of  sun- 


250  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

shine,  but  is  also  filled  with  the  spirit  of  culture  and  refine- 
ment. 

Mrs.  Watson  is  of  necessity  brought  in  close  touch  with 
those  who  need  not  only  sympathy  but  practical  aid.  She  is 
a  woman  of  discriminating  judgment  and  intelligent  de- 
cisions, and  is  most  valuable  as  one  of  the  senior  members 
of  the  Aurora  Board  of  Charities.  With  her  husband  she 
is  inspired  by  high  literary  ideals,  and  is  conversant  with  the 
best  in  literature  and  art.  Their  fine  library  is  a  source  of 
mutual  pleasure  to  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Watson,  and  their  children 
are  being  educated  to  read  and  to  think  for  themselves,  a 
condition  only  possible  as  the  result  of  access  to  the  best  the 
world  of  literature  can  offer. 

Mrs.  Watson  is  ambitious  for  her  Irasband's  success,  in- 
terested in  his  scientific  researches,  anxious  to  aid  in  all  that 
will  promote  his  influence.  She  is  a  member  of  the  Aurora 
Woman's  Club,  a  literary  association  which  is  doing  excel- 
lent work.  No  one  can  be  more  interested  than  is  Mrs.  Wat- 
son in  all  that  is  beautiful  in  art,  charming  in  music,  in- 
structive and  entertaining  in  the  realm  of  literature.  She 
is  greatly  beloved  by  those  who  are  perhaps  the  less  favored, 
so  far  as  wealth  is  concerned,  in  the  community,  for  no 
worthy  object  ever  appeals  to  her  in  vain,  and  her  kind  alle- 
viation of  need  is  well  known  and  appreciated. 


f  oj)tt  Vmct 


MRS.  JOHX  VAXCE  CHENEY. 


Fance 


When,  eight  years  ago,  time  and  tide  wafted  to  Chicago 
Mrs.  John  Vance  Cheney,  had  she  been  a  princess  of  the  most 
ancient  and  proudest  lineage  she  could  not  have  been  more 
royally  received. 

Society,  in  the  most  restricted  form  of  the  word— society 
musical,  literary  and  artistic— did  her  homage. 

For  by  her  inherent  qualities  of  mind  and  heart,  coupled 
with  extraordinary  outward  charms  of  person,  Mrs.  Cheney 
graces  most  royally  any  society. 

Mrs.  Cheney's  fame  had  preceded  her  to  her  new  home, 
for  in  this  day  of  the  telegraph  and  rapid  transit  across  the 
Continent  all  knew  of  the  high  position  held  by  her  in  the  so- 
ciety of  the  western  metropolis  (San  Francisco),  which  had 
been  her  home  many  years  prior  to  her  removal  to  Chicago. 

In  fact,  Mrs.  Cheney 's  name  is  not  unknown  in  any  quar- 
ter of  the  Union,  nor  in  Europe,  where  many  years  were  spent 
in  study  in  her  youth,  and  many  sojourns  have  since  been 
made ;  for  wherever  Mrs.  Cheney  spends  any  time  her  name  is 
indissolubly  connected  with  every  movement  tending  to  the 
higher  things  in  life,  particularly  where  music  and  the  phil- 
osophy of  right  living  are  factors. 

Pleasant  as  society  is  to  one  so  eminently  fitted  to  shine 

in  it  as  is  Mrs.  Cheney,  she  has  been  gradually  drawn  from  it 

253 


254  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

into  the  work  now  absorbing  her,  and  her  whole  joy  in  life  is 
teaching  mankind  to  solve  the  secrets  of  health,  success  and  a 
contented  mind,  and  teaching  students  of  the  art  of  piano- 
playing  that  all  technique  is  in  the  mind. 

The  press  and  public  have  extended  to  Mrs.  Cheney  the 
most  cordial  support  in  her  efforts  to  help  humanity,  and  she 
is  now  a  leader  in  the  large  field  of  public  work  on  the  lecture 
platform. 

Her  investigations  in  psychology,  in  its  relation  to  music 
and  health,  have  received  the  most  respectful  attention  of  edu- 
cators throughout  the  country.  The  results  of  her  work  are 
but  little  short  of  miraculous. 

"  Music,"  she  says,  "  should  be  studied  as  a  means  of  ser- 
vice to  humanity.  To  give  joy  must  be  the  student's  aim,  not 
selfish  pleasure.  One  who  sings,  works  or  plays  with  no 
thought  of  self  is  never  '  nervous.'  Touch  is  never  dilated 
upon,  as  that  comes  naturally,  the  result  of  perception.  The 
pupil  is  taught  to  observe,  to  think,  to  reason,  recognizing  the 
soul  as  master  and  the  body  as  purely  the  instrument  of  '  ex- 
pression. ' 

"  Physical,  mental  and  spiritual  development,"  says  Mrs. 
Cheney,  "  are  three  equal  factors  of  a  perfect  whole;  the  three 
natures  must  be  cultivated  equally  and  harmoniously,  with 
a  keen  appreciation  of  each  to  all.  The  mind  is  the  creative 
power,  the  body  the  instrument  of  expression,  and  it  can  ex- 
press only  what  the  mind  directs,  be  it  health  or  disease, 
beauty  or  ugliness." 

And  Mrs.  Cheney  is  beautiful ! 


The  world  has  no  more  scholarly  musician,  no  greater  the- 
orist, no  more  profound  musical  writer  than  Bernard  Ziehn. 
The  works  of  the  old  masters,  of  more  modern  composers,  such 
as  Liszt,  Brahms,  Bruckner  and  Wagner,  are  as  familiar  to 
him  as  the  most  simple  chord,  and  he  has  mastered  some  of  the 
greatest  mysteries  of  the  musical  world.  This  is  abundantly 
evidenced  by  the  fact  that  to  him  the  world  owes  the  solution 
of  two  most  baffling  musical  problems.  One  was  the  query 
concerning  the  unfinished  fugue  in  Bach's  "  Kunst  der  Fuge," 
a  problem  which  had  remained  unsolved  for  almost  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  years.  Another  was  the  answering  of  the  ques- 
tion, "Who  is  the  composer  of  Luther's '  Ein  Feste  Burg?'  "  a 
problem  which  had  defied  solution  for  almost  three  hundred 
and  fifty  years. 

He  is  a  deep  thinker,  logical  in  his  decisions  and  positive 
in  the  expression  of  his  theories. 

Bernard  Ziehn,  whose  father  was  a  shoemaker,  was  born 
in  Erfurt,  Germany,  January  20,  1845.  He  received  a  com- 
mon school  education,  and  later  took  the  course  of  study  at  a 
Normal  School.  For  three  years  he  taught  school  at  Miihl- 
hausen,  in  Thuringia.  He  came  to  Chicago,  November,  1868, 
and  has  remained  here  since  that  time,  the  first  two  years  as  a 

teacher,  since  then  devoting  himself  to  the  musical  profession. 

257 


258  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

During  these  years  lie  has  written  several  books  and  arti- 
cles of  very  great  importance,  which  have  appeared  in  the 
Allgemeine  Musikzeitung,  Berlin.  His  article  on  "  The  Ec- 
clesiastical Modes  "  is  published  in  Die  Musik,  Berlin.  His 
"  System  of  Exercises  for  the  Piano-forte  "  and  "A  New 
Method  of  Instruction  for  Beginners,"  founded  upon  the 
Contrarium  reversum  and  the  Symmetrical  inversion,  were 
published  in  Hamburg,  1880.  "Alte  Klavierstiicke  "  (Joh. 
Chr.  Bach,  Krebs,  Graun),  containing  also  explanations  on 
the  correct  execution  of  the  ornaments  in  classical  works,  was 
published  in  Hamburg,  1883.  "  Harmonie  and  Modulations 
Chre, "  founded  upon  a  new  principle,  the  works  of  the  masters 
in  music,  published  in  1887,  in  Berlin.  A  Berlin  critic  recom- 
mends this  book  in  the  warmest  expressions  "  for  every  teach- 
er or  pupil,  every  master  or  disciple. ' '  A  Leipzig  critic  says — 
"  This  work  is  unique  in  the  musical  didactic."  Hans  von 
Biilon,  in  1891  and  1893,  declared—"  Bernard  Ziehn  is  the 
greatest  theorist  in  the  world. "  As  a  musician  Bernard  Ziehn 
is  in  advance  of  his  time.  The  years  will  prove  the  truth  of 
his  prophecies,  the  wisdom  of  his  ideas. 

Free  from  affectation,  with  the  simplicity  of  bearing 
which  always  characterizes  true  greatness,  he  has  the  respect 
of  the  musical  world.  He  is  idolized  by  his  pupils,  some  of 
them  artists  of  world-wide  fame,  to  whom  his  commendation  is 
their  brightest  laurel. 

Among  his  "  advanced  "  pupils  are  Mrs.  Bloomfield-Zeis- 
ler,  Mrs.  W.  S.  Crosby,  Mrs.  Eleanor  Everest  Freer,  Mrs.  Re- 
gina  Watson,  Mrs.  Grace  Wassail,  Miss  Helen  Louise  Birch, 
Miss  Helen  Rudolph,  Messrs.  Frederic  Lillebridge,  Wilhelm 
Middelschulte,  Otto  Wolf,  Gustav  and  Albert  Grube. 


fttarte  Fon  IBIsner. 


MAEIE  VOX  ELSNER. 


Von  (JHsner. 


Litta,  Marie  Von  Eisner  was  born,  June  1,  1856,  in 
Bloomington,  111.,  inheriting  from  her  father,  Hugo  Von  Eis- 
ner, rare  musical  talent. 

When  only  six  years  old,  she  sang  in  concerts,  and  four 
years  later,  under  her  father's  management,  gave  concerts 
in  Chicago,  Cleveland,  New  York  and  other  cities. 

In  1869,  she  sang  in  the  German  Theatre,  Cleveland,  Ohio. 
Prof.  John  Undermer,  at  this  time,  heard  her  wonderful  voice 
and  offered  to  teach  her,  and,  later,  Mr.  A.  B.  Huff,  of  Cleve- 
land, claimed  the  privilege  of  sending  her  abroad  for  further 
study.  October  24,  1874,  she  sailed  for  Paris.  Her  first 
teacher,  in  that  city,  was  Mme.  Viardot,  and,  later,  Mme.  La 
Grange,  who  was  so  delighted  with  her  voice  that  she  gave  her 
tuition  without  charge.  Under  these  teachers,  she  mastered 
the  operas  "Aida,"  "  Mignon,"  "  Somnambula,"  "  Hamlet," 
"  Figaro  "  and  "  Barber  of  Seville." 

May  20, 1876,  she  made  her  debut  at  the  Drury  Lane  The- 
atre, under  Mr.  Mapleson,  as  Isabella  in  "  Robert  le  Diable," 
with  Nilsson  as  Alice. 

She  next  filled  an  engagement,  as  Marie  Litta,  at  the 
Grand  Opera  House,  in  Paris,  in  the  title  role  of  Lucia  di 
Lammermoor.  Her  fame  spread  rapidly  over  Europe.  In 

April  and  May,  1878,  she  filled  a  successful  engagement  at 

261 


262  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

Vienna,  where  Dr.  Hauslich,  the  most  critical  of  critics,  show- 
ered her  with  praise. 

Eeturning  to  Paris,  she  accepted  an  offer  from  Max  Stra- 
kosch  for  an  American  tour,  and,  after  four  years'  absence,  re- 
turned to  her  native  land.  Her  first  appearance  in  opera  was 
made  November  16,  1878,  in  Chicago,  at  McVicker's  Theatre, 
in  Lucia  di  Lammermoor,  and  created  an  almost  unparalleled 
furore.  In  1880,  Marie  Litta  signed  a  contract  with  Henry 
L.  Slayton,  and  gave  three  hundred  and  fifteen  concerts  in  the 
principal  cities  of  the  United  States  and  Canada.  Her  last 
appearance  in  Chicago  was  September  28, 1882,  when  she  sang 
in  Central  Music  Hall  to  a  most  enthusiastic  audience. 

Before  Litta  could  complete  her  last  season  with  Mr. 
Slayton  she  was  taken  ill  with  spinal  meningitis,  and,  after 
terrible  suffering,  passed  to  the  other  life,  July  7, 1883,  at  her 
home  in  Bloomington,  111.  Her  death  was  one  of  earth's  sad 
mysteries.  Young,  one  of  the  most  gifted  singers  the  cen- 
tury had  known,  she  left  the  world  of  music  and  art  to  mourn 
her  loss.  The  people  of  her  native  city  erected  a  magnificent 
monument  to  her  memory. 

Marie  was  a  blonde,  of  statuesque  form,  strongly-marked 
countenance,  and  agreeable  stage  presence.  Her  voice  was 
remarkably  pure  in  all  registers  and  of  extraordinary  com- 
pass. Its  peculiar  quality  was  its  phenomenal  flexibility, 
coupled  with  purity  of  tone  and  dramatic  power.  She  always 
impressed  her  audiences  with  the  thought  that  her  ideals  and 
ambitions  were  the  highest,  and  had  not  the  sweet  voice  been 
thus  early  silenced,  without  doubt  her  fondest  dreams  would 
have  found  realization. 


EMIL  L1EBLIXG. 


lEmil  Ufefcling* 


No  one  has  been  more  closely  in  touch  with  the  musical 
life  of  Chicago  for  the  past  thirty  years  than  has  Emil  Lie- 
hling.  A  man  of  varied  talents,  he  has  been  able  to  promote 
along  many  lines  the  progress  of  the  profession  to  which  he 
has  devoted  his  life.  Perhaps  he  is  most  widely  known  as 
a  teacher  of  the  piano,  for  in  this  capacity  he  stands  among 
the  foremost  in  America.  He  is  a  recognized  authority  as  to 
the  best  methods  in  teaching,  and  has  been  consulted  by  those 
who  have  come  long  distances  to  talk  with  him.  But,  aside 
from  his  important  work  as  a  teacher,  Mr.  Liebling  has  es- 
tablished a  most  enviable  reputation  as  composer,  pianist  and 
lecturer.  As  concert  pianist,  he  represents  the  best  modern 
type.  His  repertoire  is  very  extensive,  embracing  some  five 
hundred  compositions,  any  of  which  he  can  play  at  will,  an 
example  of  memorizing  alone,  which  is  almost  phenomenal. 
He  has  made  of  his  recitals  not  only  a  delightful  musical  treat 
in  his  brilliant  rendition  of  the  most  difficult  music,  but  has 
excelled  in  the  giving  of  musical  lectures  in  connection  with 
his  playing,  making  the  entertainment  thoroughly  educa- 
tional. He  is  a  fluent  speaker,  familiar  with  the  details  of 
every  branch  of  his  subject,  with  the  history  of  composition, 
\vith  the  lives  of  the  great  masters,  and  he  delights  in  this  line 
of  work,  not  usually  attempted  by  eminent  pianists.  As  a 


266  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

composer,  Mr.  Liebling  has  also  achieved  success.  Possibly 
best  known  among  his  compositions  may  be  mentioned  the 
"  Florence  Concert  Valse,"  a  gavotte,  "  Moderne  Opus  11," 
the  "  Concert  Romances,"  Opus  20  and  21,  and  a  special  edi- 
tion, edited  by  him,  of  the  Heller  and  Loeschorn  etudes.  In 
1900,  in  connection  with  the  concert  of  the  Mendelssohn  Club, 
he  played,  for  the  first  time  then  in  this  country,  Moszkowski's 
new  concerto,  and  gained  from  both  his  audience  and  the  press 
the  most  unqualified  endorsement  of  his  masterly  work.  Mr. 
Liebling  has  been  so  long  identified  with  the  best  musical  life 
of  Chicago  that  he  has  become  part  of  the  musical  history  of 
that  city.  Genial,  enthusiastic,  ready  to  impart  his  knowl- 
edge to  others,  always  a  student,  his  influence  has  been,  and 
is,  far-reaching  and  uplifting.  He  has  been  heard  in  many 
places  throughout  the  country  in  his  concert  tours,  and  has 
always  delighted  his  audiences.  From  his  studio  have  gone 
out  some  of  the  most  promising  of  the  pianists  of  to-day,  and 
he  is  always  ready  to  inspire  them  with  renewed  ambitions; 
but  the  results  of  his  influence  as  lecturer,  writer  and  com- 
poseser  will  never  be  known. 

Chicago  counts  itself  fortunate  in  being  the  home  of  this 
courteous,  scholarly  and  gifted  artist,  and  recognizes  the  fact 
that  the  musical  ambitions  of  the  city  have  been  greatly  stimu- 
lated by  his  influence. 


.  Jftatfjetoa. 


W.  S.  B.  MATHEWS. 


.  ft.  ®>  ittatfietoa. 


Probably  no  man  is  more  widely  known  throughout  this 
country  by  his  publications,  which  are  most  extensively  used 
by  teachers  everywhere,  than  is  W.  S.  B.  Mathews.  Mr. 
Mathews  was  born  in  London,  New  Hampshire,  M#y  8,  1837. 
From  a  very  early  childhood  his  fondness  for  music  made  it- 
self apparent,  and  when  but  a  boy  he  decided  that  his  life- 
work  should  be  teaching  music.  It  was  not,  however,-  till  he 
was  twelve  years  old  that  he  began  his  musical  studies.  His 
unusual  progress  may  be  inferred  from  the  fact  that  the  fol- 
lowing year,  when  but  thirteen  years  of  age,  he  began  to  play 
the  organ  in  church.  Before  he  was  eighteen  years  old  he  was 
a  teacher  in  an  academy  at  Mt.  Vernon,  N.  H.  At  the  same 
time,  he  was  pursuing  his  studies  along  both  musical  and  lit- 
erary lines,  and  was  able  to  gratify  his  ambitions  by  study- 
ing with  Southard  in  Boston  and,  some  time  later,  with  Thai- 
berg,  then  in  the  very  midst  of  his  famous  career.  Mr.  Ma- 
thews was  always  interested  in  literary  research,  particularly 
as  connected  with  his  musical  life.  From  1859,  as  long  as  the 
paper  had  existence,  he  was  a  frequent  contributor  to 
Diviyht's  Journal,  and,  in  1868,  became  the  editor  of  the  Musi- 
cal Independent,  a  position  he  held  for  four  years.  For  many 
years  he  was  the  musical  critic  on  various  Chicago  papers,  and 

is  to-day  recognized  as  unquestioned  authority  on  musical 

269 


270  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

matters.  His  musical  text-books  are  widely  known.  Among 
them  are  "Mathews'  Graded  Materials  for  the  Piano,"  "Ma- 
thews'  Beginners  in  Phrasing,"  "A  Primer  in  Music,"  in 
which  Dr.  Wm.  Mason  was  interested,  and  "  The  Pronounc- 
ing Dictionary  of  Musical  Terms."  He  also  published  in  two 
volumes  "  Graded  Pieces,"  in  which  work  he  was  assisted  by 
Emil  Liebling,  and  has  written  other  books  of  value  to  mu- 
sicians. While  Mr.  Mathews  is  a  critic,  and  sometimes  se- 
vere in  criticism,  he  is  always  deeply  interested  in  the  success 
of  those  who  have  real  talent.  Among  his  pupils  are  many 
who  have  made  for  themselves  most  enviable  reputations  as 
solo  pianists.  They  find  pleasure  in  attributing  much  of  their 
success  to  the  thorough  drill  and  encouragement  they  received 
from  Mr.  Mathews  while  studying  with  him.  Mr.  Mathews 
has  been  greatly  interested  in  the  musical  advancement  of  Chi- 
cago, and  has  done  much  to  further  it.  Through  his  books, 
which  have  a  place  among  standard  musical  literature,  he  has 
come  in  touch  with  thousands,  and  thus  his  influence  in  the 
musical  world  has  been  widespread.  More  than  this,  his 
strong  personal  influence  has  made  itself  felt  in  Chicago,  so 
long  his  home,  for  the  maintenance  of  the  highest  possible 
musical  ideals.  Whenever  the  history  of  the  musical  life  of 
Illinois  and  Chicago  shall  be  written,  the  name  of  W.  S.  B. 
Mathews  will  be  found  in  a  conspicuous  place,  and  his  efforts 
for  the  creation  of  the  best  thought  in  music  will  end  only 
with  his  life. 


ffcra.  fesste  Bartlett 


1IKS.  JESSIE  BARTLETT  DAVIS. 


.  Bessie  Eartlett  IBabts, 


Perhaps  no  singer  of  to-day  is  more  enshrined  in  the 
hearts  of  her  audiences  than  is  Mrs.  Jessie  Bartlett  Davis. 

From  her  parents  she  inherited  a  passionate  love  for 
music  and  a  voice  which  obtained  recognition  as  one  of  the 
finest  contraltos  in  America.  She  was  born  near  Chicago, 
and,  at  the  age  of  fourteen,  moved  to  that  city,  where  her  musi- 
cal education  began. 

Mr.  Davis  was  organizing  the  Chicago  Church  Choir  Com- 
pany to  give  "  Pinafore,"  then  the  craze  of  the  day.  She 
was  assigned  the  part  of  Buttercup,  and  at  once  captivated 
all  who  heard  her.  At  the  close  of  the  year's  engagement  she 
married  Mr.  Davis.  They  went  to  New  York,  where  she  de- 
voted herself  to  study,  and,  through  the  influence  of  Col.  Ma- 
pleson,  sung  many  times  with  Patti.  After  a  year's  study  in 
Paris,  she  returned  to  New  York  and  joined  the  American 
Opera  Company,  but  it  proved  an  unsuccessful  venture. 
Later  she  joined  the  Bostonians,  with  whom  she  won  many 
laurels,  becoming  a  great  favorite  with  the  public  all  over  the 
country.  She  has  sung  in  more  than  forty  operas,  among 
them  "  II  Trovatore,"  "  Carmen,"  "  Faust,"  "  Bohemian 
Girl,"  "  Pygmalion  and  Galatea,"  "  Fatinitza,"  "  Merry 
Wives  of  Windsor,"  and  afterwards  in  "  Maid  of  Plymouth  " 
and  "  Robin  Hood."  273 


274  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

Jessie  Bartlett  Davis  seems  one  of  nature's  favorites. 
Added  to  her  wonderful  voice  are  rare  beauty  and  great  per- 
sonal magnetism,  which  have  made  her  a  power  wherever  she 
has  sung.  Her  devotion  to  "  the  sweetest  boy  on  earth  "  has 
dominated  her  life  to  a  great  extent,  and  into  her  home  life  she 
has  carried  the  same  winsomeness  and  enthusiasm  which  have 
marked  her  professional  career.  During  her  vacations  she 
has  been  devoted  to  outdoor  exercise,  such  as  boating  and 
walking,  which  have  given  her  the  superb  health  so  essential  to 
her  work. 

Wonderfully  free  from  petty  jealousy,  she  knows  no 
greater  pleasure  than  to  aid  some  deserving  aspirant  to  recog- 
nition in  the  musical  world.  As  a  ballad  singer  she  is  peer- 
less. Who  that  has  heard  her  sing  of  "  Baby  and  I  in  Our 
Eocking-Chair  "  would  willingly  lose  that  sweet  picture  from 
memory's  gallery? 

"  Five  O'Clock  in  the  Morning  "  and  "  Nothing  Else 
to  Do  "  recall  the  lamented  Parepa  of  years  gone  by,  but  lose 
nothing  of  their  witchery  when  sung  by  Mrs.  Davis.  As  she 
has  sung  so  exquisitely  "  O  Promise  Me,"  it  has  been  an  in- 
spiration to  every  heart,  and  so  on  through  a  long  repertoire 
of  songs  she  has  made  her  own. 

The  truest  artist  is  the  one  who  most  deeply  stirs  the 
heart,  whether  it  be  singer  or  poet  or  painter,  and  this  has 
been  Mrs.  Davis'  power  in  song  all  the  years.  Long  may  she 
be  spared  to  delight  audiences  with  the  sweetness  of  her  won- 
derful voice  and  to  be  an  inspiration  to  the  best  musical  im- 
pulses of  the  day. 


JTretrerick  iirant  Reason. 


FREDERICK  GRANT  GLEASOX. 


Reason. 


A  Chicago  musician  who  has  climbed  to  the  top  round  of 
the  ladder  of  success  is  Frederick  Grant  Gleason,  well  known 
as  critic,  instructor  and  composer.  Dudley  Buck  was  his  first 
instructor,  at  Hartford,  Conn.  Subsequently  he  pursued  his 
education  at  Leipzig,  under  Moscheles,  Richter,  J.  C.  Lobe 
and  Plaidy,  and  in  Berlin  under  Carl  Frederick  Weitzmann, 
Albert  Loeschhorn  and  Oscar  Reif.  Other  eminent  teachers 
in  Berlin  and  London  aided  the  ambitious  young  American  in 
his  work.  In  Berlin  he  prepared  his  work  on  Gleason's  Mo- 
tet Collection.  On  his  return  to  Hartford  he  became  organist 
in  one  of  the  city  churches,  but  his  zeal  for  composition  was 
unabated,  and  he  did  some  excellent  work.  In  1878,  he  came 
to  Chicago,  and,  for  a  time,  was  musical  critic  on  one  of  the 
daily  papers ;  but  such  work  had  little  charm  for  him,  and  he 
soon  abandoned  it.  Mr.  Gleason  has  composed  a  three-act 
opera,  "  Otto  Viconti,"  another  opera,  "  Montezuma  "  (se- 
lections from  which  have  been  played  by  Theodore  Thomas' 
Orchestra),  an  Overture  Triumphale,  for  the  organ,  two  can- 
tatas, the  Auditorium  Festival  Ode,  and  a  Praise  Song  to  Har- 
mony. His  compositions  show  the  real  melodious  instinct, 
and  merit  high  praise  for  their  beauty  of  harmony.  He  is  in- 
disputably one  of  the  most  scholarly  and  accomplished 

musicians  in  the  country.    Unlike  manv  composers,  he  has  a 

277 


278  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

practical  side  to  his  character,  as  well  as  an  artistic.  In  1884, 
he  was  elected  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Directors  and  an 
examiner  of  the  American  College  of  Musicians,  an  office  he 
held  for  many  years,  and  then  resigned.  He  was  chosen  to 
represent  the  American  Music  Teachers'  National  Associa- 
tion at  the  meeting  of  the  English  Society  of  Professional 
Musicians,  at  Cambridge,  England,  but  could  not  accept  the 
honor.  He  feels  great  pride  in  a  gold  medal  given  to  him 
by  the  Associazione  dei  Benemeriti  Italiana,  of  Palermo, 
Sicily,  "  for  distinguished  services  in  the  cause  of  art." 

The  public  of  New  York,  Washington,  San  Francisco, 
and  other  cities,  have  heard  portions  of  his  two  operas,  which 
have  been  performed  for  them  by  the  Thomas  and  other  or- 
chestras. An  organ  transcription  of  the  "  Otho  Visconti  "  is 
much  played,  and  was  even  heard  in  the  Cathedral  at  Hono- 
lulu at  an  organ  recital.  His  symphonic  poem,  "  Edris,"  has 
added  laurels  to  those  already  won  by  Mr.  Gleason. 

In  this  poem  he  has  risen  to  great  heights,  and  while  this 
symphony  is  rich  in  that  sort  of  melody  which  pleases,  it  also 
wins  more  favor  with  each  hearing.  His  latest  symphonic 
poem, "  The  Song  of  Life,"  is  a  scholarly  work,  suggesting  re- 
ligious feeling,  the  "  ever  present  sorrow  "  and  "  the  remem- 
brance of  the  love-episode,"  and  many  of  the  themes  are  of 
great  beauty. 

December  6,  1903,  Mr.  Gleason  entered  into  rest,  leaving 
to  his  colleagues  and  friends  the  memory  of  a  courteous,  schol- 
arly man  and  a  most  thorough  musician. 


BEETHOVEN. 


Carl  <!UoIfsoIjn, 


One  of  the  best-known  and  most  widely  recognized  musi- 
cians of  Chicago  is  Carl  Wolfsohn.  This  celebrated  musical 
scholar  and  artist  was  born  at  Alzey,  Reinhessen,  Germany, 
December  14,  1834.  At  an  early  age  he  began  the  study  of 
music,  and  for  two  years  was  a  pupil  of  Aloys  Schmidt,  of 
Frankfort,  till  interrupted  by  the  revolution  of  1848.  That 
year  he  made  his  debut,  at  Frankfort,  in  Beethoven's  piano- 
forte quartette.  After  studying  with  Vincent  Lachner  and 
Mme.  Heinfeiter,  he  made  a  very  successful  concert  tour 
through  Bavaria,  and,  later,  went  to  London,  where  he  spent 
two  years.  He  came  to  America  in  1854,  and  settled  in  Phila- 
delphia, where  he  remained  many  years.  While  there  he  es- 
tablished an  enviable  reputation  as  a  pianist  and  a  true 
musician.  He  played  frequently  in  public,  introducing  many 
of  the  pianoforte  concertos  with  orchestra,  and  giving  every 
year,  for  nearly  twenty  years,  series  of  concerts  of  chamber 
music.  To  this  he  added  the  work  of  an  orchestral  con- 
ductor, and  for  two  years  gave  symphony  concerts.  He  first 
attracted  national  attention  as  a  singularly  broad  musical 
scholar  of  the  piano  by  his  series  of  recitals  of  Beethoven's 
Sonatas,  in  1863. 

These  he  gave  two  successive  seasons  in  Philadelphia,  and 
repeated  two  seasons  in  New  York  Steinway  Hall.  Still  later, 


282  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

Mr.  Wolfsohn  played  all  the  pianoforte  compositions  of  Schu- 
mann in  recitals,  and  followed  by  the  works  of  Chopin. 

As  an  interpreter  of  Schumann,  Mr.  Wolfsohn  excels, 
his  musical  intelligence  making  clear  what  the  ordinary  vir- 
tuoso passes  over  unconsciously.  Mr.  Wolfsohn  came  to  Chi- 
cago in  1873,  and  became  conductor  of  the  Beethoven  Society. 
This  society  produced  Bruch's  "  Odysseus,"  Beethoven's 
"  Mass  in  C,"  Grade's  "  Crusaders  "  and  Hof man's  "  Legend 
of  the  Fair  Melasina  "  for  the  first  time.  He  repeated  here 
the  Beethoven's  Sonatas,  as  given  in  Philadelphia  and  New 
York,  affording  some  of  the  most  advanced  teachers  their  first 
opportunity  of  hearing  these  beautiful  compositions.  Later 
he  projected  a  series  of  historical  recitals  covering  the  whole 
range  of  musical  literature,  one  hundred  in  number,  but  cir- 
cumstances compelled  him  to  abandon  the  project  when  he 
was  just  reaching  the  most  interesting  part.  He  gave  trio 
concerts  in  Chicago  for  more  than  ten  years,  attended  by  the 
best  music-lovers  of  the  city.  As  a  teacher,  he  has  accom- 
plished most  honorable  work.  Many  artists,  among  them  Mrs. 
Fannie  Bloomfield-Leissler  and  Miss  Augusta  Cottlon,  are  in- 
debted to  him  for  making  them  so  thoroughly  musicians  that 
other  teachers  developed  virtuosos.  He  visits  his  relatives, 
near  Frankford-on-the-Main,  often,  and  attends  the  Baireuth 
festivals.  He  was  one  of  the  earliest  workers  in  Wagner  so- 
cieties in  this  country,  and  gave  Wagner  selections  in  Phila- 
delphia years  ago.  He  is  a  musician  of  highest  possible  honor, 
and  his  name  deserves  to  be  perpetuated  among  those  of  the 
musical  apostles  and  saints  of  America. 


.  JFamtte  #toomftettr  leisler. 


MAD.  FAXXIE  BLOOMFIELD  ZEISLER. 


.  Jfannte  Bloontftellr  Setsler. 


Few  women  have  ever  achieved  such  a  recognized  posi- 
tion among  the  artists  of  the  world  as  has  Fannie  Bloomfield 
Zeisler,  one  of  the  world's  greatest  pianists.  She  was  born  at 
Bielitz,  iii  Austrian  Silesia,  but  when  less  than  two  years  of 
age  came  to  America  with  her  parents.  They  settled  in  Chi- 
cago, which  is  still  her  home.  When  but  a  little  child,  her 
musical  talent  showed  itself,  for  when  only  about  six  years  old, 
without  instruction,  she  picked  out  the  tune  of  "Annie  Lau- 
rie "  on  the  piano.  She  first  received  instruction  from  Ber- 
nard Ziehn,  and,  later,  from  Carl  Wolf sohu,  both  of  whom  are 
still  living  in  Chicago,  and  have  witnessed  the  triumphs  of 
their  famous  pupil.  When  the  great  pianist,  Mad.  Essipoff, 
came  to  this  country,  in  1877,  she  heard  the  gifted  child  play, 
and,  recognizing  her  talent,  insisted  that  her  parents  send  her 
to  Leschetizky,  then,  as  since,  known  as  one  of  the  best  piano 
teachers  in  the  world.  In  1878,  Fannie  Bloomfield  went  to 
Vienna,  and  for  the  next  five  years  was  the  conscientious 
pupil  of  this  celebrated  teacher.  Before  leaving  Vienna,  in 
1883,  she  played  several  times  with  great  success,  and  as  soon 
as  she  reached  America,  the  autumn  of  that  year,  began  her 
career  as  a  concert  pianist  in  this  country.  For  the  next  ten 
years  she  played  during  every  winter,  and,  as  soloist,  appeared 

with  the  best  orchestras  of  this  country,  such  as  the  Chicago 

285 


286  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

Orchestra,  the  Boston  Symphony  Orchestra,  the  New  York 
Symphony  and  Philadelphia  Harmonic  Societies.  In  1893, 
she  went  abroad  and  played  in  Berlin,  Leipsic,  Vienna,  Dres- 
den and  other  cities.  Everywhere  she  gained  recognition  as 
one  of  the  greatest  pianists  of  the  world,  the  greatest  woman 
pianist  ever  known.  As  a  result  she  made  a  concert  tour  of 
Europe  in  1894-95,  during  which  she  played  in  the  leading 
cities  of  the  Continent,  the  whole  season  being  a  succession  of 
the  most  wonderful  triumphs. 

In  1895,  she  returned  to  America,  and  since  that  time  has 
appeared  every  season  with  all  the  best  orchestral  organiza- 
tions in  the  largest  musical  centers.  In  1896,  she  made  a  tour 
of  the  Pacific  coast,  where  her  reception  was  of  the  most  grati- 
fying sort.  While  in  San  Francisco  she  gave  eight  concerts, 
in  every  one  of  which  her  audiences  seemed  always  more  and 
more  enthusiastic.  England  was  the  scene  of  her  triumphs  in 
1898,  when  in  London  the  musical  public  were  most  demon- 
strative in  their  delight  at  her  playing.  She  received,  while 
there,  the  honor  of  an  invitation  to  be  the  piano  soloist  at  the 
annual  Lower  Rhine  Music  Festival,  which  occurred,  May 
29-31,  1898,  at  Cologne.  Her  audience  there  consisted  of  the 
most  renowned  musicians  and  critics  of  the  world,  and  her 
success  was  absolutely  complete.  Quite  recently  she  has  be- 
come identified  with  the  Bush  Temple  Conservatory  of  Music, 
where  she  receives  advanced  pupils  between  her  concert  sea- 


JL5aiatha, 


TIAXS  BALATKA. 


It  is  scarcely  necessary  to  tell  the  people  of  America 
about  the  world-renowned  Hans  Balatka.  Like  many  another 
artist,  he  never  fully  enjoyed  the  fruits  of  his  labors,  but  the 
acknowledgment  of  his  greatness  by  press  and  people,  at  his 
death,  enshrined  him  forever  in  the  memory  of  the  music- 
loving  American  public.  Hans  Balatka  was  born  in  Hoff- 
mengsthal,  Austria.  His  fine  voice  secured  for  him  the  posi- 
tion of  alto  soloist  in  the  boy  choir  of  the  grand  Cathedral 
of  Olmlitz,  and  he  there  received  an  excellent  musical  educa- 
tion. At  the  University  of  Olmiitz  and  Vienna  he  was  ap- 
pointed conductor  of  the  academical  singing  societies,  studied 
singing  under  Gentiluomo,  and  harmony  and  composition  un- 
der Proch  and  Sechter.  The  political  revolution  of  1848  in- 
fluenced Mr.  Balatka  to  come  to  America.  Locating  in  Mil- 
waukee, he  founded  the  famous  Milwaukee  Musical  Society, 
introducing  most  of  the  standard  symphonies,  oratorios  and 
many  operas  with  full  vocal  and  orchestral  forces.  His  fame 
spread  rapidly,  and  he  was  appointed  conductor  of  a  num- 
ber of  musical  festivals  at  Cleveland,  Cincinnati,  Detroit, 
Pittsburg,  Milwaukee,  Chicago  and  other  places.  In  1860, 
Mr.  Balatka  was  urged  by  prominent  musical  people  to  make 
Chicago  his  home,  and  conduct  the  then  new  Philharmonic 
Society.  He  came  to  Chicago,  and  also  became  conductor  of 
the  Germania  Mannerchor,  the  Musical  Union  and  other  musi- 
cal organizations  of  high  standing. 

289 


290  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

The  concerts,  operas  and  oratorios,  in  which  he  introduced 
Mad.  Parepa-Rosa,  Neilsson,  Pappenheim,  Carey,  Whitney, 
Remmertz  and  others,  are  among  the  prominent  musical  events 
of  Chicago.  But  his  principal  occupation  was  vocal  teaching. 
Many  talented  singers  owe  their  introduction  to  the  lyric 
stage  to  his  efforts,  and  a  number  of  the  first  musicians  and 
teachers  in  Chicago  have  been  his  pupils.  In  1868,  he  gave 
the  first  orchestral  concert  in  Library  Hall,  which,  from  a 
musical  standpoint,  was  a  success. 

In  1879,  Mr.  Balatka  laid  the  foundation  for  the  Balatka 
Musical  College  by  establishing  the  Balatka  Academy  of  Musi- 
cal Art.  As  a  director,  he  was  the  head  of  the  institution  for 
twenty  years,  and  his  cultured  mind  was  the  controlling  in- 
fluence in  all  its  departments. 

In  1895,  Mr.  Balatka  celebrated  his  fiftieth  anniversary 
as  a  musical  conductor.  On  this  occasion  the  musical  world 
—not  only  of  America  but  of  Europe  as  well— gave  enthusi- 
astic acknowledgement  of  his  genius.  He  received  most  flat- 
tering recognition  from  European  musical  authorities,  and 
was  favorably  mentioned  in  the  great  Encyclopaedia  of  Dr. 
Eiemann,  an  honor  bestowed  only  on  unquestioned  merit. 

He  was  not  only  great  as  a  musician,  but  excelled  in  liter- 
ary work.  His  pen,  while  sharp  and  witty,  was  just,  and  his 
musical  criticisms  valuable. 

Hans  Balatka  died  in  April,  1899,  aged  seventy-four 
years,  after  more  than  fifty  years  of  service  in  the  field  of 
music. 

His  busy  life  and  invaluable  work  will  always  occupy  an 
important  place  in  the  musical  history  of  Chicago. 


Christian  Balatfea. 


CHBISTIAN  BALATKA. 


Christian  23alatfea, 


Eemembering  always  with  loving  pride  the  achievements 
of  his  illustrious  father,  Hans  Balatka,  Christian  Balatka, 
inspired  by  this  memory,  is  rapidly  making  for  himself  a 
widespread  reputation  as  a  true  musician,  a  successful  teacher 
and  fine  conductor.  Chicago  was  his  birthplace,  and,  at  a  very 
early  age,  he  began  studying  music  under  his  father.  So  re- 
markable was  his  talent  that  at  the  age  of  thirteen  he  was  able 
to  play  dementis  Gradus  ad  Parnassum,  and  to  accompany 
such  difficult  compositions  as  Beethoven's  "  Ninth  Sym- 
phony," Bruch's  "  Odysseus,"  etc.  After  studying  a  number 
of  years  under  local  teachers,  he  went  abroad  and  completed 
his  studies  under  the  best  instructors  of  the  Royal  Academy 
of  Music,  at  Berlin.  So  great  was  his  success  as  a  pianist  in 
Europe  that  he  was  honored  by  a  command  to  appear  before 
royalty.  His  success  as  a  concert  pianist  in  this  country  is 
well  known  wherever  he  has  appeared,  and  has  been  such  as 
to  warrant  his  making  this  his  lifework.  But  his  ambition 
has  been  to  finish  the  work  which  his  father  began,  and  on  his 
return  to  this  country  he  assumed  the  directorship  of  the  piano 
department  of  the  Balatka  Musical  College,  and  devotes  his 
time  to  teaching  the  piano. 

Among  the  large  number  of  brilliant  students  graduating 

from  this  department  many  have  won  more  than  ordinary  dis- 

293 


294  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

tinction.  Among  them  may  be  named  Miss  Bertha  Stevens, 
Alice  Bennett,  Abie  Shymann  and  others.  The  last-named  is 
one  of  the  greatest  prodigies  in  the  world  to-day.  At  the  age 
of  twelve  he  played  with  ease  the  "  Hungarian  Fantasie,"  by 
Liszt,  and  Dr.  Balatka  feels  that  a  wonderful  career  is  open 
before  him. 

Christian  Balatka  has  received  marked  recognition  from 
the  highest  musical  authorities  in  this  country.  In  1901-02 
he  was  made  Doctor  of  Music  by  the  New  York  State  Uni- 
versity, and,  in  1903,  was  elected  Dean  and  Examiner  for  the 
State  of  Illinois,  for  the  same  university.  This  is  the  only 
music  school  in  America  empowered  by  Act  of  Legislature  to 
confer  the  regular  university  degrees.  Under  the  skilful 
management  of  Dr.  Christian  Balatka,  the  college  which  his 
father  founded  has  made  great  advance  in  numbers,  in  the  ex- 
cellence of  its  corps  of  teachers  and  in  the  grade  of  work  ac- 
complished. At  the  time  of  Hans  Balatka 's  death,  the  college 
numbered  possibly  two  hundred  and  fifty  pupils,  now  it  en- 
rolls about  a  thousand.  Dr.  Balatka  has  exercised  great  care 
in  the  selection  of  his  faculty;  many  of  them  are  well-known 
soloists,  ranking  high  in  their  profession. 

He  is  devoted  to  his  work,  ambitious  for  his  school,  inter- 
ested in  the  success  of  his  pupils  and  constantly  planning  for 
the  achievement  of  the  high  ideals  of  which  he  never  loses 
sight. 


©fjarles 


One  of  Chicago's  best-known  singers,  greatly  beloved  for 
his  personal  characteristics  and  admired  by  all  musicians 
everywhere  for  his  splendid  musical  achievements,  is  Charles 
W.  Clark.  A  native  of  Northwestern  Ohio,  it  was  not  till 
1888  that  he  came  to  Chicago  and  began  to  really  devote  him- 
self to  the  study  of  music.  So  thoroughly  has  he  identified 
himself  with  musical  life  here  that  he  seems  as  much  Chi- 
cago's very  own  as  if  a  native  of  this  city.  So  great  a  result 
has  followed  his  devotion  to  musical  study  that  he  has  won  a 
most  enviable  reputation  in  concert  and  oratorio  work 
throughout  the  country. 

Mr.  Clark's  first  engagement  in  Chicago  was  as  one  of 
the  Quartette  Choir  of  the  Centennial  Baptist  Church.  After- 
wards he  sang  in  the  choir  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church, 
Evanston,  of  which  church  Dr.  Hillis  was  then  the  pastor. 
When  Dr.  Hillis  succeeded  the  late  Dr.  Swing  at  the  Central 
Church,  so  greatly  was  he  attached  to  Mr.  Clark  that  he  per- 
suaded him  to  come  with  him,  and  for  years  he  was  soloist  at 
that  church,  except  when  absent  from  the  city  studying,  or  en- 
gaged in  concert  work  in  London  and  other  places.  Mr.  Clark 
made  his  debut  in  London,  with  Mr.  George  Henschel  con- 
diacting,  February  18, 1897,  in  a  Wagner  concert,  and  ten  days 

later  made  his  second  appearance  in  Bach's  Passion  music, 

297 


298  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

"  St.  Matthew."  Mr.  Henschel  was  most  enthusiastic  in  re- 
gard to  Mr.  Clark's  voice  and  the  possibilities  before  him,  and 
offered  him  the  finest  concert  engagements  if  he  would  only 
consent  to  make  the  English  metropolis  his  home.  While  in 
England,  he  sang  in  the  best  concerts  in  London,  Manches- 
ter, Liverpool  and  other  cities,  with  the  most  prominent  so- 
cieties, as  soloist  in  cantatas  and  oratorios,  also  taking  part  in 
many  miscellaneous  programs.  Mr.  Clark  is,  however,  an 
American  at  heart,  and  returned  to  this  country  about  1898, 
where  his  services  were  at  once  in  demand  by  the  finest  or- 
ganizations East  and  West.  Mr.  Edward  de  Eeske  used  his 
influence  to  have  Mr.  Clark  engage  in  the  work  of  the  grand 
opera,  and  Mr.  Grau,  of  the  Metropolitan  Opera  House,  made 
him  flattering  offers  to  sing  in  leading  roles  in  his  company. 
His  long  list  of  engagements,  however,  prevented  such  a  pos- 
sibility, although  both  the  great  artist  and  the  experienced 
manager  felt  assured  that  success  would  be  his.  He  has  sung 
with  the  best  clubs  and  societies  in  the  country,  and  has  be- 
come, everywhere,  distinguished  as  a  favorite  in  musical  cir- 
cles. He  has  appeared  with  the  Handel  and  Haydn  Society, 
of  Boston,  and  other  oratorio  societies ;  in  a  Wagner  concert 
and  Brahm's  "  Requiem;"  with  the  Chicago  Orchestra,  under 
Theodore  Thomas,  at  the  Auditorium,  Chicago;  with  Chi- 
cago's Apollo  Club,  and  other  organizations.  His  wonder- 
ful voice,  genial  personality  and  scholarly  work  readily  accord 
him  a  leading  place  among  the  best  singers  of  America. 


.  Connor. 


E.  Connor, 


It  is  difficult  to  specify  the  influences  which  make  the  suc- 
cessful musician.  Lessons  with  the  best  masters  and  years 
of  persevering  practice  are  absolute  essentials,  but  to  this  must 
be  added  the  invaluable  tuition  of  experience  and  environ- 
ment. 

Possibly  few  have  had  this  sort  of  tutelage  in  greater  de- 
gree than  has  Miss  Sara  K.  Connor.  She  was  born  in  Indian- 
apolis, Ind.,  in  1868,  the  daughter  of  the  late  Alexander  H. 
Connor,  well  known  as  an  editor  and  a  criminal  lawyer. 

In  the  seventies,  the  family  moved  to  Nebraska,  and  the 
ever  changing  conditions  of  the  Middle- West  had  a  marked 
influence  in  the  formation  of  the  young  daughter's  ideals  and 
ambitions. 

Books  and  music  were  her  companions,  and  the  years 
spent  in  school,  college  and  music  study  were  years  of  char- 
acter-building, of  preparation  for  the  duties  of  life.  These 
unstrained,  quiet  years  of  preparation  and  observation  have 
been  widely  instrumental  in  establishing  that  poise  and  broad 
mental  attitude  which  are  her  strongest  characteristics.  As  a 
teacher,  Miss  Connor  was  most  successful  in  Nebraska,  be- 
coming widely  and  favorably  known,  and  numbering  among 
her  clientele  pupils  from  all  parts  of  the  State. 

She  is  by  nature  a  teacher,  having,  in  addition  to  a  sensi- 

301 


302  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

tive  and  discriminating  mentality,  a  rare  faculty  of  imparting 
her  knowledge  to  others,  and  of  stimulating  in  them  a  desire 
for  the  acquisition  of  knowledge.  She  has  thought  intelli- 
gently on  the  facts  relative  to  the  results  of  musical  study. 
While  not  pessimistic,  she  is  convinced  that  the  too  general 
disappointment  in  this  direction  indicates  a  vital  weakness  in 
educational  methods.  Too  often  she  feels  that  the  teacher 
fails  to  be  imbued  with  the  spirit  of  sympathetic  helpfulness, 
and  that  without  this  great  element  the  student  nature  re- 
mains unknown  and  its  powers  undeveloped. 

While  she  recognizes  that  there  are  common  platforms  on 
which  all  artist  effort  must  meet,  she  feels  the  supreme  im- 
portance of  developing  the  individuality  of  her  pupils,  and 
her  success  in  her  work  along  this  line  has  been  so  great  as  to 
be  almost  phenomenal.  That  supreme  desire  for  achievement 
is  the  only  foundation  for  successful  effort  she  fully  believes, 
and  she  gladly  welcomes  all  methods  of  education  which  are 
in  harmony  with  this  truth.  She  deems  them  the  most  ef- 
ficient, the  most  enjoyable  and  the  most  permanent  in  result. 

The  success  which  has  attended  the  venture  in  which, 
with  Miss  Patten,  Miss  Connor  is  interested,  is-  a  most  sig- 
nificant commentary  upon  the  fact  that  a  receptive  mind  reg- 
isters with  great  sensitiveness  the  impressions  gained  from 
early  environment.  It  is  a  proof,  too,  of  the  truth  that  all 
growth  is  the  result  of  contact  with  the  stern  realities  of  life. 


fttartrm  Sdjool  of  ffiusic  antr  Elocution. 


The  Harden  School  of  Music  and  Elocution,  organized  in 
1899,  and  incorporated  in  1900,  has  achieved  a  most  enviable 
reputation,  and  has  taken  its  place  among  the  most  prominent 
art  schools  of  Chicago. 

Last  year  over  two  hundred  scholars  were  enrolled.  In 
1902,  seven  pupils  were  graduated,  representing  five  States, 
and  in  1903,  five  were  graduated.  At  the  commencement  ex- 
ercises each  of  the  graduates  gave  a  solo  program,  the  selec- 
tions being  tests  of  their  skill  in  interpretation  as  well  as  in 
technique.  The  manner  in  which  the  pupils  acquitted  them- 
selves was  certainly  the  most  flattering  commendation  both  of 
the  methods  employed  and  the  skill  of  their  teachers.  The 
history  of  this  school  is  sufficiently  exceptional  to  awaken  in- 
terest in  its  founders,  Cora  Mel  Patten  and  Sara  Katherine 
Connor.  After  years  of  professional  experience,  Miss  Patten 
and  Miss  Connor  united  their  efforts,  in  1899,  in  the  organiza- 
tion of  this  school. 

A  modest  catalogue  was  issued,  and  every  effort  was  made 
to  enlist  interest  in  their  enterprise.  Four  months  later,  after 
the  school  had  safely  passed  the  experimental  stage,  it  was 
named  in  honor  of  Orrin  Swett  Marden,  known  as  a  philan- 
thropist and  the  editor  of  Success.  It  seemed  as  though  these 

two  young  artists  were  intended  to  work  together,  so  aptly  cjo 

303 


304  THE   HARDEN   SCHOOL. 

the  characteristics  of  one  supplement  those  of  the  other.  Miss 
Patten,  gifted,  of  magnetic  presence,  fearless  and  ambitious, 
came  to  Chicago  seven  years  ago,  a  stranger,  with  no  one  to 
aid  her.  She  -soon,  however,  made  a  brilliant  record  as  a  stu- 
dent and  a  reader,  and  became  a  well-known  teacher  of  liter- 
ary interpretation.  At  the  same  time,  Miss  Connor  was  con- 
ducting a  large  class  in  Nebraska  and  becoming  widely  and 
favorably  known.  While  she  was  accomplishing  much  in 
the  line  of  musical  culture,  she  was  also  gaining  a  practical 
knowledge  of  the  varied  conditions  of  life,  and  thus  develop- 
ing the  strong  individuality  which  marks  her  teaching.  A 
fine  personality,  unusual  repose  of  manner  and  rare  discrim- 
ination, have  united  to  make  Miss  Connor  invaluable  in  the 
work  to  which  she  is  devoting  her  energies.  Through  their 
united  labors  Miss  Patten  and  Miss  Connor  have  accomplished 
much. 

The  school  has  given  a  large  number  of  recitals,  thus  af- 
fording pupils  the  advantage  of  frequent  appearance  before 
the  public. 

A  series  of  readings  by  the  greatest  exponents  of  elo- 
cutionary art  have  been  successfully  given,  and  these  are  only 
indications  of  the  spirit  of  activity  which  is  a  marked  char- 
acteristic of  this  school.  Success  has  crowned  their  efforts 
from  the  beginning,  and  it  is  safe  to  predict  a  brilliant  future 
for  the  school,  whose  beginning  was  so  unobtrusive  yet,  after 
all,  the  result  of  indomitable  perseverance  and  unfaltering 
ambition. 

The  school  has  now  a  well-selected  faculty,  and  the  efforts 
of  the  principals  are  untiring  to  increase  the  usefulness  of  the 
institution. 


Cora  ffitl  fatten* 


Cora  ffid  fatten. 


The  first  glimpse  we  have  of  Miss  Patten  is  of  an  eager, 
pale-faced  child,  listening  to  stories  from  her  mother's  lips, 
inventing  marvelous  tales  of  her  own,  while  she  resented,  in 
her  childish  heart,  the  suffering  which  debarred  her  from 
the  happy  freedom  of  the  playground. 

She  gained  strength  with  the  years,  and  was  graduated, 
in  1887,  from  the  Newton,  Iowa,  High  School,  and  later  from 
the  Normal  School  of  the  same  county.  Miss  Patten  was  born 
in  1869,  in  Jasper  County,  Iowa.  Her  nature  is  emotional, 
her  imagination  vivid,  her  ambitions  high,  her  enthusiasm 
most  contagious,  yet  withal  she  is  of  a  rarely  sensitive  nature. 
She  inherited  a  voice  of  unusual  sympathy  and  power.  As  a 
girl,  she  attained  quite  a  reputation  as  an  elocutionist,  and 
was  foremost  in  all  literary  entertainments.  She  began  her 
professional  career  at  the  age  of  twenty,  and  has  achieved  Tin- 
usual  success.  For  three  years  she  taught  in  the  public  schools 
of  her  native  town,  but,  dissatisfied  with  that  work,  she  went 
to  Chicago,  and  took  a  short  course  in  elocution.  She  then  be- 
came the  teacher  of  this  branch  in  the  Iowa  Wesleyan  Uni- 
versity, and,  as  the  result  of  her  influence  and  the  interest  thus 
stimulated,  a  chair  of  oratory  was  established.  After  a  year 
devoted  to  travel,  she  returned  to  Chicago  and  completed  her 
course  in  elocution.  In  1895,  she  graduated  with  the  honors 

307 


308  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

of  the  class,  winning  a  diamond  medal.  The  following  year 
was  spent  in  post-graduate  studies  and  professional  reading, 
after  which  she  accepted  a  position  with  her  Alma  Mater  for 
two  years.  After  resigning  this  position,  she  devoted  a  year 
to  study  and  teaching  private  classes.  By  this  time  she  had 
gathered  about  her  so  many  and  such  devoted  friends  and 
pupils  that  she  was  able  to  carry  out  what  had  been  a  cherished 
hope,  and  established  a  school  of  her  own.  She  is,  we  believe, 
the  youngest  woman  at  the  head  of  a  professional  school  in 
Chicago,  and  has  now  a  reputation  as  one  of  the  really  strong 
teachers  in  her  line.  She  is  energetic  and  untiring  in  her  ef- 
fort, broad  in  her  thought,  independent  in  her  plans,  fearless 
in  their  execution.  Believing  that  vocal  interpretation  should 
be  inspiring  as  well  as  entertaining,  only  such  literature  as  she 
feels  embodies  the  spirit  of  truth  finds  recognition  in  her 
school.  Her  chief  ambition  is  to  become  a  great  teacher,  and 
with  this  career  in  mind  she  has  steadily  refused  all  plat- 
form work  which  would  take  her  away  from  Chicago.  With 
so  single  an  aim,  with  such  devotion  to  her  chosen  work,  Miss 
Patten  will  make  for  herself  a  place  of  rare  achievement. 


$amlin. 


^^^^xC^V«^C^t^^ 


&  / 


The  foremost  tenor  of  Illinois— by  many  regarded  as 
having  no  superior  in  this  country— George  Hamlin  is  con- 
stantly adding  to  his  laurels  and  making  himself  a  place  in  the 
hearts  of  his  audiences.  He  is  a  native  of  Illinois,  and  is  a 
most  notable  example  of  what  can  be  achieved  by  an  Amer- 
ican in  America,  for  his  entire  musical  education  has  been  re- 
ceived in  this  country  and  from  American  teachers.  For 
about  fifteen  years  he  has  sung  in  many  of  the  leading 
churches  in  Chicago,  but  it  is  only  some  seven  or  eight  years 
since  he  made  his  debut  on  the  concert  platform. 

During  the  musical  season  of  1898-99,  he  gave,  for  the 
first  time  in  America,  the  most  delightful  Lieder  of  Richard 
Strauss,  and  won  highest  praise  from  both  the  press  and  musi- 
cal critics.  Mr.  Hamlin 's  voice  is  sweet  and  clear,  with  great 
carrying  power,  and  he  sings  with  an  ease  of  manner  which 
puts  him  at  once  en  rapport  with  his  audience,  and  gives  a 
rare  charm  to  whatever  he  does.  He  has  appeared  at  various 
times  with  all  the  best  oratorio  and  other  societies  of  the  coun- 
try. Among  them  may  be  named  the  Apollo  Clubs  of  Chi- 
cago, Cincinnati,  Des  Moines  and  Toledo,  the  Mozart  Club  of 
Pittsburg,  musical  clubs  of  St.  Paul  and  Louisville,  Handel 
and  Haydn  Society,  of  Boston,  the  Chicago  Orchestra  con- 
certs under  the  direction  of  Theodore  Thomas,  the  New  York 

311 


312  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

Oratorio  Society,  the  Cincinnati  Sangerfest,  and  many  others. 
The  musical  critic  of  the  New  York  Tribune,  Mr.  Krehbiel, 
said  of  him—"  Mr.  Hamlin  has  a  voice  of  fine,  manly  timbre, 
which  he  uses  with  great  taste,  and  his  musical  instincts  are 
evidently  of  the  best.  One  of  the  most  delightful  features  of 
his  singing  is  the  unvarying  purity  of  his  intonation." 
Wherever  he  has  sung,  all  over  the  country  the  press  has  been 
unstinted  in  its  praises  both  of  his  voice  and  his  method.  We 
can  quote  but  from  a  few—"  Mr.  Hamlin  has  a  tenor  voice 
of  sweet  and  sympathetic  quality,  and  is  evidently  a  conscien- 
tious student,"  said  the  Boston  Herald.  The  Louisville  Com- 
mercial wrote—"  At  the  head  of  American  tenors;"  the  Min- 
neapolis Times—"  The  most  satisfactory  tenor  ever  heard 
here."  At  a  recent  concert  given  by  the  Mendelssohn  Club,  of 
Chicago,  in  the  season  1903-04,  Mr.  Hamlin  was  the  soloist. 
He  gave  four  groups  of  songs— French,  German,  Italian  and 
English ;  his  perfect  pronunciation  and  enunciation  in  what- 
ever language  he  sung  were  a  most  remarkable  proof  of  his 
achievements  as  a  linguist,  and  his  rendition  of  each  number 
showed  the  exquisite  finish  only  attained  by  persistent  study 
and  unceasing  practice. 

Mr.  Hamlin,  unlike  many  public  singers,  is  most  gener- 
ous in  his  response  to  encores,  a  genial  courtesy  greatly  appre- 
ciated by  those  who  hear  him. 


JFauIfcner. 


JFaulkuer. 


Miss  Anne  Shaw  Faulkner,  a  native  of  Chicago,  is  a 
young  lady  whose  progress  in  her  chosen  line  of  musical  work 
is  a  source  of  congratulation  and  pleasure  to  all  who  know 
her.  She  was  born  September  26,  1877,  and  her  entire  edu- 
cation has  been  obtained  in  Chicago.  She  has  worked  mostly 
with  Miss  Julia  Lois  Carruthers  (now  the  Director  of  the 
Carruthers'  Normal  School),  also  with  Mr.  Calvin  Cady.  It 
was  in  the  fall  of  1897  that  she  began  the  Orchestra  Concert 
Study  Classes  which  have  become  such  an  important  factor 
in  the  musical  work  of  Chicago.  Her  object  was  to  simplify 
and  explain  the  programs  to  young  girls  just  beginning  to  at- 
tend the  orchestra  concerts.  She  was  so  instructive  that  it 
was  suggested  that  she  open  classes  for  older  pupils,  and  the 
second  season  Miss  Faulkner  started  six  classes  in  private 
houses.  These  proved  so  satisfactory  that  the  third  year  she 
started  a  small  public  class,  and  the  next  season  she  not  only 
had  a  large  class,  which  held  its  meetings  in  Assembly  Hall, 
but  also  opened  a  studio  in  the  Fine  Arts  Building.  In 
1902-03,  in  addition  to  the  regular  twenty-four  morning  talks 
on  the  Chicago  Orchestra  programs,  she  gave  three  evening 
concerts  for  the  purpose  of  greater  familiarity  with  the  in- 
struments of  the  orchestra.  The  first  was  a  lecture  on  "  The 

Orchestra,  its  Instruments  and  their  Music,"  illustrated  by 

315 


316  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

seventeen  members  of  the  Chicago  Orchestra,  and  the  other 
two  were  programs  of  wood-wind  music. 

These  concerts  attracted  much  favorable  comment,  and 
Miss  Faulkner  is  arranging  four  similar  programs  for  next 
season.  Miss  Faulkner  also  has  charge  of  the  History  of 
Music  in  the  Columbia  Conservatory,  and  has  supplemented 
her  regular  work  there  with  a  program  study  class  for  music 
pupils. 

A  course  of  six  studies  on  "  Music  and  its  Relation  to  the 
History  of  Art  "  has  also  been  given  by  her  for  Carruthers' 
Normal  School,  this  season.  "  This  comprises,"  Miss  Faulk- 
ner says,  "  my  regular  work."  In  additon  to  this,  much  out- 
side work  has  been  done  in  lecturing  for  clubs,  arranging  pri- 
vate musicales  and  benefit  concerts. 

Miss  Faulkner  spent  last  summer  abroad,  as  assistant 
musical  director,  on  a  musical  pilgrimage  with  a  party  under 
the  direction  of  the  Bureau  of  University  Travel,  of  Boston. 

This  is  only  a  glance  at  this  gifted  girl's  busy  life.  The 
"  Loves  of  Beethoven,"  which  she  has  given  with  Miss  Ste- 
vens; "  The  Bayreuth  and  the  Wagner  Festival;"  a  stereop- 
ticon  lecture  with  music  behind  the  scenes,  and  many  another 
musical  novelty,  attest  the  genius  of  this  wonderful  artist. 

Miss  Faulkner  will  supplement  her  history  course  this 
season  with  six  lectures  on  "  History  of  Music  as  an  Art," 
which  will  be  illustrated  with  stereopticon  views,  showing  the 
development  of  notation,  instruments  and  composition  by  con- 
trasting pictures.  She  is  very  sanguine  as  to  the  success  of 
this,  her  newest,  musical  venture. 


JFlormce 


JFtorence 


One  of  Chicago's  rising  young  vocalists  is  Miss  Mary 
Florence  Stevens. 

Possessing  a  rich,  highly  cultivated  soprano  voice  and  a 
most  pleasing  personality,  she  becomes  at  once  a  favorite 
wherever  she  is  heard.  She  was  born  in  Baltimore,  Md.,  but 
has  spent  most  of  her  life  in  the  West,  and  has  identified  herself 
with  the  best  music  of  Chicago  and  Evanston,  where  she  lives. 
She  has  been  the  soloist  for  the  Evanston  Musical  Club— a 
club  doing  as  artistic  work  as  any  in  the  West— a  recognition 
of  her  talent  rarely  accorded  to  a  local  singer.  For  four 
years  she  studied  under  Mrs.  Sarah  Eobinson  Duff,  and  later 
under  the  instruction  of  Mr.  Sydney  Lloyd  Wrightson,  the 
noted  teacher  from  London,  one  of  Mr.  Wm.  Shakespeare's 
representatives  in  this  country. 

More  recently  still  she  has  studied  with  William  L.  Tom- 
lins,  who  is  unsurpassed  in  interpretation  of  oratorio,  and 
represents  the  most  notable  advances  in  modern  musical  edu- 
cation. She  expects  to  study  with  him  this  winter  (1903-04). 

Exceptionally  well  fitted  for  oratorio  and  song  recital 
work,  she  is  also  happy  in  her  interpretations  of  smaller  songs, 
and  whatever  she  sings  it  is  done  with  the  utmost  ease  and  a 
delightful  absence  of  effort.  It  is  the  sentiment  in  what  she 

sings  which  appeals  to  her,  not  its  technical  difficulty,  and  so 

319 


320  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

she  sings  not  to  display  her  voice,  but  that  she  may  reach  the 
hearts  of  her  hearers  and  express  to  them  the  beauty  of  the 
song  and  the  poetic  idea  which  was  in  the  mind  of  the  com- 
poser. 

Young,  attractive,  with  an  easy,  graceful  presence,  an 
artistic  temperament,  and  wonderful  voice,  she  is  destined  to 
become  one  of  the  leading  artists  of  the  country.  She  has 
made  a  novel  specialty  of  giving  musical  illustrations  for 
music  lectures.  In  this  work  she  has  been  associated  with 
Miss  Anna  Shaw  Faulkner,  who  has  made  so  great  a  success 
of  her  Thomas'  Orchestra  classes.  Her  delightfully  clear 
enunciation  and  her  voice,  combining  brilliancy  and  sweetness 
with  warmth  of  color  and  breadth,  make  her  particularly 
adapted  to  this  work,  in  which  she  is  winning  many  laurels. 

One  of  this  series  is  the  "  Loves  of  Beethoven  "  lecture, 
which  is  illustrated  with  Beethoven  songs.  She  has  been 
equally  successful  in  her  rendition  of  the  music  of  the  North 
American  Indians  and  primitive  peoples,  and  has  devoted 
some  time  to  research  in  the  field  of  such  music. 

Miss  Stevens  is  also  a  teacher  of  voice  culture,  and  has  her 
studio  in  the  Fine  Arts  Building,  where,  in  spite  of  the  many 
demands  upon  her  time,  she  is  attaining  success  with  her  rap- 
idly increasing  class  of  pupils. 

A  favorite  among  clubs  in  Chicago  and  other  cities,  popu- 
lar as  a  concert  singer,  sh'e  is  none  the  less  conscientious  and 
devoted  to  her  work  as  an  instructor,  and  is  an  enthusiast  in 
whatever  she  undertakes. 


Carrie  SMootrs  Busfj. 


Carrie  OTootrs  Busfj. 


This  accomplished  musician  and  able  critic,  now  of  Chi- 
cago, received  her  early  education  in  Erie,  Pa.,  where  her 
father,  James  R.  Wood,  was  a  prosperous  wholesale  merchant, 
and  her  mother  a  successful  physician.  From  them,  no  doubt, 
she  inherited  the  energy,  the  industrious  habits  and  the  enthu- 
siasm which  have  had  very  much  to  do  with  the  success  which 
has  followed  everything  she  has  attempted  to  accomplish.  At 
an  early  age  Mrs.  Bush  played  the  piano  well,  and  all  her  life 
she  has  been  a  most  devoted  student  of  music,  having  received 
instruction  from  some  of  the  best  teachers  in  Chicago.  Every 
possible  advantage  which  could  best  fit  her  for  the  position  she 
now  occupies  has  been  given  her,  and  she  has  made  good  use  of 
them  all.  Not  only  has  she  had  a  most  thorough  course  in 
instrumental  music,  but  she  has  devoted  years  to  the  study  of 
the  theory  of  music,  and  the  various  methods  employed  by  the 
foremost  musical  educators  of  the  day.  The  duties  devolving 
upon  her  as  a  critic  and  correspondent  are,  of  necessity,  some- 
what exacting,  requiring  a  vast  deal  not  only  of  musical  knowl- 
edge but  of  native  tact  as  well.  Until  recently  she  has  de- 
voted much  of  her  time  to  the  teaching  of  the  piano,  pipe  or- 
gan and  the  theory  of  music.  As  a  pianist  and  teacher  she 
acquired  a  most  excellent  reputation.  She  has  given  to 

whatever  she  attempted  a  dauntless  energy,  which  meant  suc- 

323 


324  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

cess.  Some  years  since,  she  became  identified  with  several 
well-known  musical  publications,  and  this  brought  her  promi- 
nently before  those  engaged  in  a  like  line  of  work. 

or  the  three  years  the  Boston  Musical  Record  was  repre- 
sented in  Chicago,  Mrs.  Bush  held  the  position  of  critic  here, 
a  position  she  filled  most  acceptably.  Her  experience  as  a 
teacher  has  given  her  a  great  advantage  as  a  musical  critic, 
and  her  knowledge  of  the  theory  of  music  has  been  helpful  in 
the  same  direction.  Through  this  experience  she  is  often  able 
to  look  back  of  result,  and  recognize  effort,  and  hence  an  ap- 
preciative and  intelligent  criticism.  The  task  of  a  critic  is 
often  a  thankless  one,  but  Mrs.  Bush  brings  to  her  work  such 
unusual  preparation,  such  experience,  such  tact,  that  the  suc- 
cess she  has  achieved  seems  the  only  result  possible.  She  is 
now  on  the  staff  of  the  Chicago  Musical  Leader,  and  is  thor- 
oughly interesting  herself  in  its  aim  and  work.  The  publi- 
cation has  awakened  an  interest  in  the  music  of  the  West,  and 
is  receiving  more  and  more  the  consideration  of  those  observ- 
ing new  lines  of  musical  work. 

Mrs.  Bush  is  identifying  herself  with  this  magazine  with 
her  characteristic  energy,  and  in  so  doing  is  making  herself 
part  of  the  musical  history  of  the  West. 


tturftlcg. 


HE  LEX  BUCKLEY. 


Budtlcg. 


Gifted  with  a  beautiful  soprano  voice,  rare  intelligence, 
an  artistic  temperament,  a  magnetic  personality  and  excep- 
tionally fine  stage  presence,  it  is  not  surprising  that  Miss 
Helen  Buckley  holds  a  distinguished  position  in  the  musical 
world.  Being  an  American,  Miss  Buckley  received  her  first 
musical  education  in  this  country  under  Frank  Baird.  Later 
she  went  to  England,  where  she  became  one  of  Randegger's 
most  brilliant  and  successful  pupils.  In  London  her  ability 
was  widely  recognized,  and  she  received  many  congratulatory 
letters  from  eminent  musical  critics,  such  as  J.  A.  Fuller-Mait- 
land,  Esq.  (music  critic  of  the  Times,  London,  England),  and 
Jacques  Blumenthal,  the  well-known  composer,  London,  Eng- 
land. While  in  London,  she  sang  for  many  prominent  per- 
sons, the  Duke  of  Wellington,  Duchess  of  Manchester,  Mrs. 
Ronalds,  of  the  "American  Colony,"  Jacques  Blumenthal, 
and  very  many  others.  She  was  honored  by  being  the  only 
vocalist  selected  to  appear  before  the  Duke  of  Genoa  and  his 
Italian  fleet  at  Portsmouth. 

She  and  Mark  Hambourg  made  their  London  debut  at  St. 
James  Hall  with  the  Joachim  Quartette,  and  were  received 
with  great  enthusiasm.  Returning  to  America,  she  sang  first 
in  Chicago  with  the  Chicago  Apollo  Club,  in  the  "  Messiah." 

Since  then  her  engagements  have  been  many  and  successful, 

327 


328  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

embracing  New  York,  Chicago,  Cincinnati,  Minneapolis,  St. 
Louis,  Milwaukee,  in  fact  nearly  all  musical  centers  in  the 
United  States. 

In  Chicago  she  took  Gadski's  place  with  the  Apollo  Club 
in  a  performance  of  Massanet's  "  Mary  Magdalen,"  learn- 
ing the  difficult  music  and  singing  it  most  effectively  on  ten 
days '  notice.  She  filled  an  engagement  at  Mendelssohn  Hall, 
New  York,  after  courageously  singing  for  the  manager 's  ap- 
proval over  a  long-distance  telephone.  She  made  a  tour  of  a 
hundred  and  two  concerts,  her  associates  being  Mary  Louise 
Clary,  William  Rieger  and  Arthur  Beresford.  Miss  Buck- 
ley occupies  the  responsible  and  lucrative  position  of  leading 
soloist  at  the  Fourth  Presbyterian  Church,  Chicago.  Her  in- 
terpretation of  all  sacred  music  has  in  it  a  most  admirable 
inspiration,  which  is  a  special  characteristic  of  her  oratorio 
work. 

She  made  her  fifth  appearance  with  the  Chicago  Apollo 
Club  in  the  "  Damnation  of  Faust,"  and  soon  after  sang  at  a 
festival  at  Hutchinson,  Kansas,  which  extended  over  a  week. 
She  has  sung  with  the  Mendelssohn  Club,  of  Chicago,  and  with 
the  Milwaukee  Musical  Society. 

Newspapers  in  England  and  all  over  the  United  States 
have  teemed  with  the  most  enthusiastic  notices  of  this  dis- 
tinguished and  captivating  singer.  Whether  she  has  sung 
in  oratorio,  or  rendered  the  most  difficult  songs  by  Grieg, 
Goring-Thomas,  Massanet  and  Salvator  Rosa,  or  appeared  in 
opera,  she  has  merited  the  same  applause.  It  is  difficult  to 
discriminate  when  a  singer  is  so  successful  in  everything  she 
undertakes.  Miss  Buckley  has  won  her  place  among  the  best 
artists,  and  is  daily  adding  to  the  laurels  so  honestly  hers. 


(iotrotosfcg. 


LEOPOLD  GODOWSKY. 


There  is  to-day  no  artist,  in  the  realm  of  tone,  whose  ca- 
reer is  followed  with  more  attention  and  interest  than  that  of 
Leopold  Godowsky,  who  was  born  at  Wilna,  Russian  Poland, 
February  13,  1870.  Showing  a  remarkable  talent  at  a  very 
early  age,  he  was  taken  upon  the  road  as  a  child-wonder,  and 
concertized  all  over  Russia  and  parts  of  Germany  until  he  was 
twelve  years  old.  He  then  entered  the  Hoch  Schule  at  Ber- 
lin, where  he  remained  for  two  years.  At  this  time  he  de- 
termined to  come  to  America,  and  he  toured  this  country  in 
connection  with  Ovide  Musin,  the  violinist,  and  his  company. 
But  the  young  artist  soon  tired  of  the  monotony  of  travel,  and 
made  strong  efforts  to  return  to  Europe  for  further  study. 
He  realized  that  Saint  Saens,  the  great  French  composer  and 
pianist,  would  best  preserve  his  individuality,  and  he  set  about 
to  procure  an  audience  with  him.  His  first  meeting  with  this 
distinguished  musician  forms  one  of  the  most  interesting 
chapters  in  Godowsky 's  life;  suffice  it  to  say  that,  after  hear- 
ing one  of  Godowsky 's  own  compositions,  entitled  "  Das 
Maerchen,"  he  at  once  accepted  him  as  his  pupil.  The  pro- 
tection and  favor  which  Godowsky  thus  enjoyed  were  soon 
known  in  Paris,  and  served  to  introduce  him  to  the  most  ex- 
clusive social  and  musical  circles  of  the  French  capital. 

From  the  salons  of  Paris  to  those  of  London  was  but  a 

331 


332  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

step,  and  in  a  short  time  Godowsky  had  become  favorably 
known  in  London.  Ere  long  his  matchless  art  was  recognized 
in  the  most  aristocratic  homes  of  that  city,  in  the  palaces  of 
the  Duke  of  Westminster  (recently  deceased),  the  Duke  of 
Norfolk,  at  Grosvenor  and  Marlborough  House.  It  was  dur- 
ing the  many  festivities  in  connection  with  the  Queen's  gol- 
den jubilee,  in  1887,  that  Godowsky  was  ordered  to  play  at  the 
Marlborough  House,  where  a  most  august  assemblage  formed 
his  audience.  On  that  occasion  the  Princess  of  Wales,  now 
Queen  Alexandra,  was  so  much  pleased  with  Godowsky 's 
"  Valse  Scherzo  "  that  she  accepted  the  dedication  of  it  by  a 
special  court  order. 

In  1890,  at  twenty  years  of  age,  Godowsky  returned  to 
America.  On  April  30,  1890,  he  married  Miss  Frieda  Saxe, 
of  New  York.  He  made  his  home  in  New  York  until  1895, 
when  a  brilliant  offer  was  made  him  to  take  charge  of  the 
piano  department  of  the  Chicago  Conservatory,  which  offer  he 
accepted.  His  success  there  is  too  well  known  and  too  recent 
to  call  for  comment.  Godowsky  has  been  heard  repeatedly 
with  every  important  musical  organization  of  the  United 
States  and  Canada,  and  is  known  as  a  concert  pianist  from  the 
Atlantic  to  the  Pacific,  from  Canada  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico, 
receiving  everywhere  the  most  flattering  encomiums. 

Godowsky  has  already  made  a  strong  impression  upon 
contemporary  art.  A  work  which  will  make  his  name  a  house- 
hold word  with  every  aspiring  pianist  is  just  receiving  its  fin- 
ishing touches. 

The  extremely  conservative  firm  of  Schlesinger,  of  Ber- 
lin, Germany,  has  just  contracted  for  the  publication  of  fifty 
of  his  newly  written  studies  on  the  etudes  of  Chopin.  They 


LEOPOLD    GODOWSKY.  333 

have  caused  a  stir  in  musical  circles,  such  as  has  not  been 
known  since  Liszt  and  Brahms  have  ceased  to  write  for  the 
piano. 

Many  critics  stand  in  amazement  before  them,  declaring 
them  absolutely  impossible  to  perform,  yet  Godowsky  plays 
every  one  of  them  from  memory.  They  have  earned  for  Go- 
dowsky the  title  "  The  Apostle  of  the  Left  Hand."  Tech- 
nically they  are  likely  to  revolutionize  the  art  of  piano-play- 
ing, while  harmonically  they  are  as  interesting  and  modern 
as  the  tendencies  of  our  time  will  permit,  and  doubtlessly 
much  in  advance  of  our  time. 

Of  Godowsky 's  original  compositions  quite  a  number 
have  recently  been  published.  They  disclose  the  author's  re- 
markable melodic  and  polyphonic  gift.  It  is  the  predominat- 
ing polyphonic  treatment  which  makes  the  execution  of  most 
of  Godowsky 's  compositions  quite  difficult,  even  after  solving 
every  technical  problem  successfully.  Yet  they  are  original 
in  melodic  invention,  and  contain  interesting  harmonic  pro- 
gressions as  well  as  refined  workmanship.  As  a  concert  pian- 
ist Godowsky  stands  in  the  very  front  rank  of  contemporary 
artists. 

As  a  technician,  he  is  in  advance  of  all,  yet  Godowsky  has 
little  pride  in  this  distinction,  and  takes  special  care  not  to  be 
identified  with  the  mere  mastery  of  technique. 

The  latter,  it  is  true,  is  of  the  most  astounding  order,  and 
thus  impresses  the  listener,  but  to  Godowsky  technique  is  only 
a  means  and  not  an  end,  and  he  makes  it  subservient  to  the  in- 
tellectual and  practical  requirements  of  the  work  in  hand. 
There  is  no  ostentation  or  frivolity  in  his  playing,  but  rather 
largeness  and  broadness  of  style,  brilliancy,  grace,  fluency  and 


334  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

poetic  feeling.  It  is  piano-playing  at  its  very  best,  well-bal- 
anced, noble  work.  His  repertoire  embraces  practically  the 
entire  piano  literature.  His  special  favorites  are  the  larger 
works  of  Schumann  and  Chopin.  He  has  a  warm  admiration 
for  the  more  important  Bach  fugues,  the  last  sonatas  of  Beet- 
hoven, for  Tschaikowsky,  Brahms  and  Wagner.  Though  a 
brilliant  performer  of  Liszt's  compositions,  he  admires  the 
original  works,  such  as  the  concert  studies,  the  gigantic  B 
minor  sonata,  more  than  the  rhapsodies  or  operatic  fantasies 
and  paraphrases.  Of  larger  works,  he  commands  the  entire 
literature  of  the  concerts  of  Beethoven,  Schumann,  Chopin, 
Liszt,  Eubinstein,  Brahms,  Grieg,  Tschaikowsky,  Saint- 
Saens,  etc.,  as  well  as  almost  the  entire  chamber  music  lit- 
erature. 

The  last  two  years  have  witnessed  Godowsky's  appear- 
ance as  composer  and  concert  pianist  in  the  capitals  and  prin- 
cipal cities  of  France,  England,  Germany.  Austria  and  Rus- 
sia, and  the  sensational  successes  he  achieved  in  Berlin,  the 
musical  metropolis  of  the  world,  are  of  such  recent  date  as  not 
to  require  special  mention. 

In  February,  1903,  he  was  decorated  by  the  King  and 
Queen  of  Roumania  with  the  order  of  the  crown.  His  salons 
in  Berlin,  where  he  resides  at  present,  have  become  the  ren- 
dezvous of  the  most  renowned  artists  of  the  day,  not  musicians 
alone,  but  poets,  painters,  sculptors  and  scientists  are  all  made 
equally  welcome  at  his  hospitable  board. 

If  Godowsky,  as  composer  and  concert  pianist,  has  cre- 
ated admirers  wherever  he  has  been  heard,  Godowsky,  the 
man,  makes  everyone  his  friend  with  whom  he  comes  in  con- 
tact. 


.  Jftaurice 


ffiv.  jitaurttt  *tnm&0n. 


Among  the  younger  artists  of  Chicago  there  is  none  that 
has  succeeded  in  creating  for  himself,  within  the  last  decade, 
a  position  of  such  prominence  in  his  profession  as  has  Maurice 
Aronson,  the  well-known  pianist,  instructor  and  critic. 
Though  a  total  stranger  in  Chicago  seven  years  ago,  he  has 
created  for  himself  a  following  that  taxes  his  time  from  sea- 
son to  season  to  the  utmost  limit. 

The  Maurice  Aronson  studios  in  the  Auditorium  are  the 
headquarters  of  a  large  number  of  talented  pianists,  and  they 
are  reckoned  among  the  most  exclusive  and  most  elegantly 
equipped  private  studios  in  the  entire  West. 

Maurice  Aronson  was  born  June  24,  1869,  in  Mitau,  near 
the  Baltic  coast.  He  showed,  in  early  youth,  a  decided  talent 
for  music.  In  connection  with  thorough  musical  instruction, 
he  received  a  comprehensive  academical  education  at  the  Gym- 
nasium, from  which  he  graduated  at  the  unusual  age  of  six- 
teen years. 

Then  the  inborn  love  for  music  asserted  itself,  and 
prompted  Mr.  Aronson  to  adopt  it  as  a  profession.  For  sev- 
eral years  he  pursued  his  studies  in  St.  Petersburg,  Berlin  and 
other  continental  cities,  appearing  frequently  in  public  with 
the  most  unqualified  success.  In  1888,  he  came  to  America, 

settling  in  the  South,  as  pianist  and  organist.    Within  a  short 

337 


338  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

time  he  gathered  large  classes  about  him  and  became  one  of 
the  best-known  and  most  successful  musicians  in  the  South. 

The  desire  to  continue  his  studies  and  search  for  a  large 
field  of  activity  prompted  Mr.  Aronson  to  come  to  Chicago, 
in  the  fall  of  1896.  He  studied  for  some  time  with  Leopold 
Godowsky,  the  eminent  pianist  and  composer,  whose  chief  as- 
sistant he  became  in  the  Chicago  Conservatory.  In  that  in- 
stitution Mr.  Aronson 's  services  proved  so  valuable  that  he 
became  one  of  the  most  prominent  members  of  its  famous 
faculty. 

Mr.  Godowsky 's  departure  for  Europe  brought  Mr.  Aron- 
son the  most  flattering  testimonials  from  the  pen  of  the  distin- 
guished Eussian.  After  refusing  some  very  tempting  offers 
from  prominent  colleges  and  conservatories  of  music,  Mr. 
Aronson  established  his  own  studios.  In  January,  1903,  Mr. 
Godowsky  invited  Mr.  Aronson  to  come  to  Berlin,  Germany, 
to  become  associated  with  him  again  in  professional  work. 
This  invitation  was  a  great  compliment  to  Mr.  Aronson 's  abil- 
ity, and  was  accepted  by  him.  He  has  been  located  in  Berlin 
since  July  of  this  year.  As  a  pianist,  Mr.  Aronson  possesses 
most  artistic  qualities  and  has  a  large  repertoire.  He  has  been 
heard  repeatedly  in  individual  recitals  and  with  other  artists 
in  Chicago  and  other  cities. 

Outside  of  his  piano  and  theoretic  studies,  Mr.  Aronson 
has  made  extensive  researches  in  musical  history  and  litera- 
ture, and  has  evinced  ability  as  a  writer. 

The  results  of  these  studies  frequently  appear  in  musical 
journals  here  and  abroad. 


(Eftristmas  Reminiscence. 


BY  MAURICE  AKONSON. 


One  of  the  most  precious  reminiscences  of  my  boyhood 
is  a  piano  recital  by  Anton  Rubinstein,  the  great  Russian  com- 
poser and  pianist.  The  recital  took  place  in  Riga,  and  was 
announced  for  the  day  preceding  Christmas.  The  silent  con- 
sciousness that  Santa  Glaus  had  generousty  remembered  me, 
that  a  prohibitive  price  of  admission  had  been  set,  etc.,  caused 
me  to  desist  from  persuasion  and  resign  myself  to  the  inevit- 
able. But  fate  willed  it  otherwise.  On  the  morning  of  De- 
cember 23d,  the  mail  brought  me  a  handsomely  written  note, 
the  contents  of  which  I  translate  freely  from  the  French— 

"  My  dear  young  friend:— Your  playing  of  the  Mozart 
Rondo  and  the  Mendelssohn  Songs  without  Words  on  the  oc- 
casion of  the  '  soiree  musicale, '  at  the  Baroness  C.  "s,  gave  me 
much  pleasure.  If  you  learn  to  play  Beethoven,  Chopin  and 
Schumann  as  well  as  you  played  Mozart  and  Mendelssohn  we 
shall  be  proud  of  you  in  years  to  come.  The  enclosed  cards 
will  enable  you  to  hear  Meister  Rubinstein  play  Beethoven, 
Chopin  and  Schumann  to-night.  Our  carriage  will  call  for 
you  at  noon.  A  very  merry  Christmas ! 

"  Tour  friend, 

"PRINCESS  W." 
339 


340  A    CHRISTMAS    REMINISCENCE. 

The  children  of  the  Princess  were  my  friends.  The 
Princess,  a  beautiful  and,  cultured  woman,  an  enthusiastic 
musical  amateur,  had  befriended  me  frequently  ere  this.  At 
the  appointed  hour  I  joined  the  party,  consisting  of  the  Prin- 
cess, her  children,  two  handsome  lads,  and  their  tutor.  We 
arrived  at  the  brilliant  concert  hall,  which  was  taxed  beyond 
its  capacity  with  a  most  cultured  audience,  only  a  few  mo- 
ments before  the  great  master  of  the  keyboard  would  make  his 
appearance.  The  moment  came.  Anton  Rubinstein  was  on 
the  stage !  Slowly,  his  head  bent  forward,  he  approached  the 
exquisite  grand  piano,  and  in  bowing  his  thanks  to  the  expec- 
tant audience  his  long,  raven  black  hair  fell  over  his  face. 

Throwing  it  backward,  without  preluding  at  all,  he  at- 
tacked with  full  force  the  first  number  of  the  program,  his 
own  arrangement  of  Beethoven's  overture  to  Egmont.  Sud- 
denly the  master's  vehement  left  hand  landed  upon  a  crashing 
E,  instead  of  the  famous  F  of  that  overture.  A  pianist  in- 
ferior to  Anton  Eubinstein  would  have  withdrawn  after  such 
a  mishap,  but  in  Eubinstein  the  audience  recognized  a  Titan 
who  played  with  boulder  rocks.  A  stone  might,  perchance, 
fall  to  the  side,  but  his  playing  remained  incomparable.  The 
heroic  Beethoven  was  followed  by  the  highly  romantic  Schu- 
bert, whose  works  no  pianist  has  interpreted  more  beautifully 
than  Rubinstein.  What  charming  change  of  humorous  jok- 
ing, of  mystic  laughing,  of  sorrow,  anger  and  innocent  joy  he 
offered  in  the  Impromptu  in  F  Minor,  in  the  B  Minor  Minuet, 
and  in  the  "  Moment  Musical."  The  master  must  have  felt, 
by  this  time,  that  his  audience  was  under  the  full  control  of 
his  magic  power,  and  he  led  his  hypnotized  listeners  into  the 
fairyland  which  the  wonderful  Chopin  has  disclosed  to  the 


A    CHRISTMAS    REMINISCENCE.  341 

world.  After  all  the  fantastic  poetry  of  the  F  Minor  Bal- 
lade and  the  soulful,  wistful  yearnings  of  the  A  Flat  Noc- 
turne, he  turned,  in  charming  realism,  to  the  joys  of  the  world. 
To  the  exciting  rhythm  of  a  mazurka  and  the  caressing  A  Flat 
valse,  the  dreamy  Chopin  steps  into  the  ballroom  and  the 
clumsy,  Titanic  Rubinstein  becomes  the  most  graceful  dancer. 
Rubinstein's  interpretation  of  Schumann's  "  Etudes 
Symphoniques  "  is  my  most  cherished  reminiscence  of  that 
occasion.  Whether  it  be  due  to  the  susceptibility  of  my  en- 
thusiastic nature  or  the  impressibility  of  my  youthful  mind, 
I  remember  the  playing  of  those  wonderful  tone  pictures  as 
if  I  heard  them  now,  and  I  confess  that,  despite  the  beautiful 
readings  which,  in  after  years,  Sophie  Menter,  Timanoff ,  Essi- 
poff,  D 'Albert,  Godowsky,  Paderewski,  Zeisler  and  many 
other  pianists  have  given  them,  I  can  never  dissociate  Rubin- 
stein's reading  from  them.  With  Liszt's  second  "  Hungarian 
Rhapsodic"  he  proved  his  virtuosity.  What  we  now  hear  from 
time  to  time  of  those  whimsical,  rhapsodic  improvisations  is 
but  the  echo  of  such  glorious  playing  as  characterized  Rubin- 
stein's treatment  of  them.  As  he  executed  the  most  intricate 
cadenzas  of  his  own  creation  in  the  closing  number,  his  own 
"  Valse  Caprice,"  the  enthusiasm  of  his  audience  increased. 
In  the  middle  part,  at  those  famous  skips  of  the  right  hand,  it 
seemed  as  if  he  would  tear  the  piano  apart,  and  many  a  note 
was  struck  near  by.  At  the  close  there  was  the  most  over- 
whelming ovation  for  the  great,  the  only  Rubinstein.  The 
audience  was  beyond  control.  Ladies  tore  the  flowers  from 
their  corsages  and  threw  them  to  the  artist,  who  seemed  deep- 
ly moved.  Rubinstein  had  to  appear  again  and  again.  Final- 
ly the  door  was  barricaded,  and  he  found  himself  compelled  to 


342  A    CHRISTMAS    REMINISCENCE. 

respond  to  an  encore.  He  returned  once  more  to  Schubert, 
his  Schubert,  as  he  often  said,  to  play  with  fairy-like  charm 
that  incomparably  beautiful  "  To  Sing  Upon  the  Waters." 

He  did  not  play  it,  he  sang  it,  and  as  the  melody  was  glid- 
ing swan-like  away  the  pearly  water-drops  could  be  heard  fall- 
ing from  its  wings. 

With  a  shrill  dissonance  he  began  his  program,  with  as 
pure  a  harmony  as  the  human  hand  ever  struck  he  dismissed 
his  audience. 

Such  was  Rubinstein's  magnificent  art.  The  occasion  re- 
ferred to  was  but  one  of  the  many  triumphs  of  his  genius. 

We  returned  home  the  next  day.  My  Christmas  gifts 
were  many,  but,  of  all  the  gifts,  I  prized  most  highly  the  con- 
sciousness that  I  had  heard  Anton  Rubinstein,  one  of  the 
world's  greatest  masters.  Five  years  later  I  heard  the  mas- 
ter's entire  .series  of  seven  historical  recitals,  which  terminat- 
ed his  career  as  a  concert  pianist.  It  was  a  gigantic  under- 
taking, worthy  of  its  illustrious  promoter. 


Jttiltoarfc 


Jfttltoarlr 


In  a  lecture  on  "Amusements,"  long  ago,  Henry  Ward 
Beecher  presented  that  subject  to  his  audience,  following  a 
line  of  thought  peculiarly  his  own,  not  usually  recognized. 
The  fact  that  one  man's  amusement  might  he  to  another  a 
burden,  and  that  the  ability  to  devise  avenues  of  amusement 
worthy  the  name  was  a  sort  of  genius,  were  among  the  ideas 
suggested.  Perhaps  no  man  in  Chicago  has  devoted  more 
thought  to  the  place  which  amusement  occupies  in  the  daily 
life  than  Milward  Adams.  His  father  was  a  surgeon  in  the 
II.  S.  Army,  living  in  Lexington,  Ky.,  but  about  the  early  six- 
ties moved  to  Ohio,  where  Milward  was  born.  He  inherited 
the  impulsiveness  and  enthusiasm  characteristic  of  those  from 
the  Sunny  South,  and  everything  he  has  undertaken  has  been 
prosecuted  in  this  whole-hearted  way.  In  1870,  he  came  to 
Chicago,  and  a  year  and  a  half  later,  impressed  with  the 
dearth  of  proper  amusement  for  the  people,  entered  upon  his 
lifework.  In  those  days  concerts  and  lectures  appealed  most 
strongly  to  the  best  class  of  people,  and  Mr.  Adams,  in  his 
work,  was  brought  in  touch  with  artists  such  as  Charlotte 
Cushman,  Ole  Bull,  Rubinstein,  Henry  Ward  Beecher,  and 
many  others. 

While  thus  engaged  for  others,  he  was  constantly  enlarg- 
ing his  own  thought  and  developing  within  himself  artistic 

345 


346  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

impulses  and  ambitions  which  have,  no  doubt,  influenced  his 
subsequent  life.  His  aim  for  the  choicest,  particularly  in 
lines  of  musical  endeavor,  never  wavered,  and  for  the  consum- 
mation of  his  hopes  he  worked.  When  Central  Music  Hall 
was  built  (a  place  dear  to  memory  as  the  home,  for  years,  of 
Chicago's  best  music),  and  its  projector,  George  Benedict 
Carpenter,  passed  away,  Mr.  Adams,  who  had  been  the  as- 
sistant manager,  had  full  control.  This  position  he  retained 
from  Jan.,  1881,  to  December,  1887,  when  work  connected  with 
the  projected  Auditorium,  of  which  he  was  offered  the  man- 
agement, occupied  his  entire  time.  To  his  efforts,  his  never 
flagging  attention  to  detail,  probably  more  than  to  those  of  any 
other,  that  magnificent  structure  owed  its  complete  and  satis- 
factory realization.  Few  understand  how  tremendous  are  his 
responsibilities  to-day  in  his  position  as  manager  of  the  Audi- 
torium Theatre.  In  1882  and  1884  Mr.  Adams  had  charge  of 
the  May  Musical  Festivals  in  the  old  Exposition  Building, 
which  were  a  delight  to  all  who  attended,  and  among  the  best 
events  in  Chicago's  musical  history.  He  also  arranged  for  the 
Theodore  Thomas  summer  night  concerts  to  come  to  Chicago, 
from  which  experiment  the  Chicago  Orchestra  resiilted.  For 
twenty-five  years  Mr.  Adams  has  been  connected  with  almost 
every  large  musical  achievement  in  Chicago,  and  has  so  en- 
deared himself  to  both  artists  and  the  amusement-loving  pub- 
lic that  his  friends  are  legion. 


Jpranfc  (tt. 


JFranfe 


The  career  of  this  well-known  artist  and  teacher  of  vocal 
culture  is  deserving  of  particular  attention  in  any  review  of 
Chicago's  past  popular  musicians.  His  proficiency  in  this 
branch  of  musical  art  is  so  widely  recognized  that  his  time  is 
completely  absorbed  with  pupils,  many  of  whom  come  from  a 
long  distance  to  Chicago  for  the  express  purpose  of  pursuing 
their  studies  under  his  guidance. 

Mr.  Baird  was  born  in  Worcester,  Mass.,  a  town  which 
has  had  the  honor  of  being  the  birthplace  of  quite  a  number 
of  well-known  musicians.  He  began  his  musical  career  by 
studying  the  organ  with  D.  B.  Allen.  While  yet  a  boy  he 
came  to  Chicago  and  continued  the  study  of  the  organ,  taking 
up  also  composition  with  Dudley  Buck.  Later  he  revived 
his  organ  studies  with  Clarence  Eddy.  He  also  devoted  much 
time  to  piano  study,  his  most  noted  piano  teachers  being  Al- 
fred Pease  and  Emil  Liebling.  For  twenty-three  years  Mr. 
Baird  was  organist  at  the  Third  Presbyterian  Church,  during 
which  time  he  found  opportunity  to  do  not  a  little  concert 
work.  He  has  appeared  both  as  soloist  and  accompanist  with 
many  artists,  among  them  being  Annie  Louise  Cary,  Clara 
Louise  Kellogg,  Muer  Scalchi  and  Myron  W.  Whitney. 

It  was  as  the  result  of  advice  from  Miss  Cary  that  he 

decided  to  take  up  the  study  of  vocal  music.    For  this  pur- 

349 


350  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

pose  he  went  to  Europe,  and  in  Paris  studied  with  Sbriglea, 
in  Dresden  with  Lamperti  and  in  London  with  Shakespeare 
and  Henschel.  Returning  to  America,  he  resumed  the  work 
of  teaching,  in  which  he  has  been  wonderfully  successful.  His 
wide  experience  as  an  accompanist  and  the  opportunity  he  has 
had  of  studying  the  methods  of  celebrated  artists  have  been 
of  very  great  value  to  him  in  his  teaching. 

During  his  career  as  a  vocal  teacher  he  has  developed 
some  very  popular  and  talented  singers. 

George  J.  Hamlin,  one  of  America's  greatest  tenors, 
studied  with  Mr.  Baird  for  four  years.  Miss  Helen  Buckley 
considers  that  she  was  very  fortunate  in  having,  at  the  be- 
ginning of  her  career,  an  instructor  who  knew  so  thoroughly 
the  essentials  of  voice  production  and  how  to  teach  them.  S. 
Fisher  Miller,  the  popular  New  York  tenor,  who  is  one  of  the 
highest  salaried  choir  singers  in  that  city,  also  studied  with 
Mr.  Baird.  Besides  these  and  other  well-known  artists,  Mr. 
Baird  has  a  large  number  of  pupils  who  occupy  some  of  the 
very  best  choir  positions  in  and  near  Chicago,  and  sing  most 
acceptably  in  concerts  and  oratorios  where  strictly  profes- 
sional service  is  not  required.  Mr.  Baird  at  one  time  organ- 
ized and  successfully  directed  choral  societies,  but  the  de- 
mands upon  his  time  by  pupils  became  so  great  that  he  has 
been  compelled  to  abandon  all  work  except  teaching. 

For  the  past  fourteen  years  Mr.  Baird  has  spent  his  sum- 
mers abroad. 


(Stag* 


t 


JOHN  ROBERT  GRAY. 


There  are  few  duties  more  important  than  that  which 
honors  and  perpetuates,  as  far  as  possible,  the  memory  of  an 
eminent  citizen ;  one  who,  by  his  blameless  and  honorable  life 
and  distinguished  career,  reflects  credit  upon  his  city  and 
State.  His  example,  in  whatever  field  his  work  may  have 
been  done,  thus  remains  an  object-lesson  to  those  who  come 
after  him,  and,  though  dead,  he  still  speaks.  Long  after  his 
personality  shall  have  faded  from  the  minds  of  men,  the  less 
perishable  record  may  tell  the  story  of  his  life  and  commend 
his  example  for  imitation.  A  man  worthy  of  such  perpetuity 
was  John  R.  Gray,  who  was  born  in  Belle  Plain,  Marshall 
County,  Illinois,  February  13,  1860.  His  parents  were  Wil- 
liam Henry  and  Wilhelmina  Augusta  Gray.  He  lived  in 
Lacon  and  Eureka,  111.,  and  for  six  years  prior  to  his  death 
in  Bloomington,  111.  He  spent  two  years  at  the  Illinois  Wes- 
leyan  University,  taking  the  collegiate  course  and  studying 
piano  with  Mrs.  Flora  Hunter,  of  Bloomington. 

In  1881  he  went  abroad,  and  for  five  years  studied  music 
in  Leipzig,  Germany,  where  he  and  his  wife  were  both  grad- 
uated from  the  Leipzig  Conservatory.  While  there  he  im- 
proved to  the  utmost  his  opportunities  under  such  masters 
as  Eibenschutz,  Wiedenbach,  Richter  and  Jadassohn.  After 

his  return  to  this  country  he  spent  one  year,  1886,  as  musical 

353 


354  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

director  in  the  Eureka  College,  Eureka,  111.,  and  in  1887  be- 
came musical  instructor  in  the  Wesleyan  College  of  Music, 
Bloomington,  111.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Bloomington 
Choral  Society,  and  had  held  the  position  of  Director  of  the 
Eureka  Choral  Society. 

With  his  gifted  wife,  he  spent  some  time  in  concert  work, 
meeting  with  great  success.  As  a  musician  Mr.  Gray  was  en- 
thusiastic, and  devoted  his  life  and  energies  to  his  profession, 
being  a  most  thorough  and  conscientious  instructor.  A  work 
on  harmony,  published  a  short  time  before  his  death,  is  an 
exhaustive  treatise,  presenting  the  matter  in  a  condensed  and 
concise  manner,  and  may  be  considered  one  of  the  best  text- 
books on  the  subject  ever  written  by  an  American  musician. 

Mr.  Gray  was  a  man  who  not  only  made  himself  felt  in 
his  chosen  profession,  but  was  beloved  and  respected  in  the 
community  where  he  lived  for  his  genial  disposition,  his  in- 
tegrity of  character  and  his  high  moral  standards.  Free  from 
the  petty  jealousy  too  often  found  in  a  professional  career, 
recognizing  talent  and  success  wherever  found,  he  was  never 
happier  than  when  aiding  some  aspirant  to  fame  in  his  strug- 
gle for  position  and  recognition. 

He  was  one  of  nature's  noblemen,  respected  and  loved 
by  all  who  became  intimately  acquainted  with  him.  His 
character  was  above  reproach,  his  ideals  were  high  and  noble, 
and  the  world  is  certainly  better  for  his  having  lived. 


ittrs;  iplarg  <&meline  JHiff 


MRS.  MARY  EMELINE  ILIFF  GRAY. 


Jflrs,  Jftarg  lEmeltne  Cliff 


There  are  few  musicians  and  teachers  who  have  a  more 
enviable  reputation  throughout  the  Middle- West  than  has 
Mrs.  Mary  Emeline  Iliff  Gray,  possibly  better  known  in  musi- 
cal circles  as  Mrs.  John  R.  Gray.  She  was  born  November 
25,  1860,  in  Marshall  County,  111.,  the  daughter  of  John  M. 
and  Caroline  E.  Iliff. 

Except  when  absent  to  pursue  her  studies,  her  life  has 
been  passed  in  Illinois.  She  received  her  common  school  edu- 
cation in  the  High  School  of  Washburn,  111.,  and  has  lived  in 
Lacon  and  Eureka,  and  for  the  past  sixteen  years  in  Bloom- 
ington.  "*  in  Illinois. 

With  her  husband,  she  spent  five  years  in  study  in  Leip- 
zig, Germany,  under  the  instruction  of  Eibenschuets,  Wieden- 
bach,  Richter  and  Jadassohn.  She  has  not,  however,  confined 
her  musical  tuition  to  that  received  abroad.  Although,  with 
her  husband,  she  was  graduated  from  the  Leipzig  Conserva- 
tory of  Music,  she  has  also  studied  with  Mr.  E.  D.  Hale,  Mr. 
Capen  and  Miss  Haney,  all  of  Boston,  and  with  Mr.  Frederic 
Grant  Gleason,  of  Chicago. 

With  her  husband,  she  spent  some  time  in  concert  work, 
meeting  with  most  gratifying  success. 

They  were,  however,  united  in  their  decision  to  devote 
themselves  to  the  work  of  teaching,  and  Mrs.  Gray  has  entered 

with  enthusiasm  into  the  endeavor  to  prosecute  this  work 

857 


358  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

along  the  best  possible  lines  for  the  attainment  of  the  most 
satisfactory  results.  She  has  been  identified  in  the  pursu- 
ance of  her  work  with  the  Eureka  Conservatory  of  Music, 
and  for  the  past  fourteen  years  has  been  a  Director  of  Music 
in  the  Wesleyan  College  of  Music,  in  Bloomington,  111.  She 
is  an  honored  and  valuable  member  of  the  Amaturian  Musical 
Society,  of  that  city.  As  both  a  musician  and  a  teacher,  she 
has  been  eminently  successful.  She  unites  a  brilliant  tech- 
nique with  a  sympathetic  interpretation,  and  possesses  a  re- 
markable power  to  inspire  her  pupils  with  intense  enthusiasm. 
The  brilliant  concert  success  of  so  many  of  her  pupils  and 
their  established  reputation  as  teachers  are  a  tribute  to  her 
ability. 

Her  method  is  one  of  directness  and  thoroughness,  insur- 
ing speedy  and  permanent  improvement.  Her  success  in 
transforming  a  hard,  defective  touch  and  in  developing  the 
technique  is  not  only  the  result  of  knowledge  and  experi- 
ence but  of  judgment,  rare  tact  and  inexhaustible  patience. 

Under  her  supervision,  in  Illinois,  Kansas,  Nebraska, 
Missouri  and  Minnesota,  are  large  classes  under  the  instruc- 
tion of  her  pupils.  By  following  a  specific  course  and  under- 
going the  test  of  yearly  concerts  the  pupils  are  enabled  to  ac- 
complish the  preparatory  work  for  Mrs.  Gray's  classes,  and 
on  passing  a  successful  examination  receive  a  signet  creden- 
tial from  Mrs.  Gray.  The  normal  class  for  teachers  has  been 
largely  attended,  all  classes  under  Mrs.  Gray's  direction  being 
larger  than  any  previous  year. 

Mrs.  Gray's  widespread  influence  is  a  great  musical  up- 
lift, so  recognized  and  appreciated  by  those  who  thus  come  in 
touch  with  her. 


.  Jiunsfjee. 


(S^trna  13.  23unsTjee. 


The  story  of  the  life  of  Edna  B.  Dunshee  is  the  story  of  a 
busy  life  filled  with  effort  to  make  opportunity  for  self -culture 
and  to  improve  to  its  utmost  every  opportunity  thus  won.  She 
was  born  Oct.  3,  1871,  and  was  educated  at  the  Mount  Carroll 
Seminary  and  Conservatory  of  Music,  at  Mount  Carroll,  111. 
June,  1891,  she  graduated,  having  taken  a  course  in  voice  cul- 
ture, harmony,  musical  history,  and  a  special  literary  course. 

The  following  spring  she  became  an  assistant  teacher  in 
voice  culture  in  the  same  school.  September,  1892,  found  her 
teaching  in  the  music  department  of  Cotley  College,  Nevada, 
Mo.,  having  charge  of  the  classes  in  vocal  music,  harmony  and 
the  history  of  music. 

This  position  she  resigned  in  1894,  and,  in  spite  of  offers 
of  advanced  salary,  returned  to  her  home  for  a  year  of  rest. 
In  the  spring  of  1896,  she  was  called  to  Wayland  Academy, 
Beaver  Dam,  Wis.,  to  take  charge  of  the  department  for  voice 
culture.  Ambitious  for  further  self-improvement,  she  re- 
signed this  position  in  1897,  and  returned  to  her  Alma  Mater 
to  complete  the  college  course.  From  Win.  P.  McKee,  Dean 
of  the  Frances  Shimer  Academy  of  the  University  of  Chi- 
cago, located  at  Mount  Carroll,  111.,  she  has  the  highest  en- 
dorsement. He  classes  her  as  an  exceptional  teacher,  and 

predicts    that    "  whatever    she    undertakes    she    will    do 

361 


362  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

it  thoroughly  and  enthusiastically."  We  quote  from  the 
Musical  Courier,  of  Mount  Carroll,  111.—"  Miss  Dunshee 
possesses  a  fine  voice,  and  is  an  excellent  concert  and 
choir  artist.  *  *  *  She  is  universally  popular  with  her 
pupils.  She  is  painstaking  and  forceful  in  her  voice- 
teaching,  hence  her  success."  In  September,  1898,  she  opened 
a  private  studio  in  Clinton,  Iowa,  where  she  has  taught  ever 
since,  and  where  she  still  resides.  She  has  had  more  pupils 
come  to  her  than  she  could  accept,  and  wherever  she  has  taught 
she  has  held  the  best  choir  positions  most  successfully.  She 
has  become  much  interested  in,  and  very  enthusiastic  over, 
public  school  vocal  work.  She  is  now  studying  the  Modern 
Music  Series  for  use  along  this  line,  with  the  thought  of 
adding  this  to  her  other  teaching. 

That  she  may  keep  in  touch  with  the  newest  and  the  best 
in  her  profession,  for  the  past  five  summers  she  has  studied 
with  Prof.  J.  Harry  Wheeler,  of  New  York  City.  In  addi- 
tion to  this,  last  summer  she  coached  with  Mrs.  Genevieve 
Clark  Wilson.  Devoting  her  summers  thus  to  earnest  study 
with  the  best  instructors,  she  is  able  to  come  to  her  pupils  in 
the  autumn  with  a  new  inspiration  and  fresh  equipment  for 
her  work. 

Miss  Dunshee  will  surely  be  enrolled  among  the  best  and 
most  successful  teachers  in  this  part  of  the  country. 


'Fcrnon 


VEKNON  D'ARXALLE. 


Fcrnon 


Although  educated  in  Germany,  Vernon  cl'Arnalle  is  an 
American  by  birth,  a  Virginian,  of  an  old  colonial  Huguenot 
family.  He  was  born  in  Richmond,  Va.,  in  1873,  and  has  re- 
sided at  various  times  in  Raleigh,  North  Carolina;  Leipzig, 
Paris  and  Berlin. 

His  remarkable  musical  talent  was  shown  at  an  early  age, 
and  even  as  a  child  he  was  organist  for  a  church  and  well 
known  as  a  concert  player.  His  early  efforts  were  devoted 
to  the  piano,  and  his  playing  won  enthusiastic  praise  from 
European  press  and  public.  It  was  not  till  he  was  a  full- 
fledged  piano  virtuoso,  with  the  standard  piano  literature  at 
his  command,  that  he  began  to  turn  his  attention  to  the  art  of 
singing.  But  his  really  wonderful  voice  soon  became  his 
chief  study,  and  he  was  fortunate  enough  to  be  able  to  secure 
for  his  master  the  celebrated  Leopold  Demuth,  of  the  Im- 
perial Opera,  in  Vienna.  In  addition  to  Leopold  Demuth,  Mr. 
d'Arnalle  has  studied  with  Mrs.  T.  J.  Simmons  and  Prof. 
Martin  Krause,  of  Leipzig.  After  finishing  his  studies  with 
Demuth,  Mr.  d'Arnalle  made  his  first  appearance  in  Leipzig 
at  the  Kaufhaus,  once  the  old  Gewandhaus.  Here  he  achieved 
a  brilliant  success  in  the  very  cradle  of  German  traditions  and 
classicism.  Following  this  success  came  others  in  the  princi- 
pal cities  of  Germany,  as  well  as  in  the  salons  of  the  nobility. 

365 


306  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

His  appearance  in  New  York,  Chicago  and  other  cities  has 
always  been  welcomed  by  critics  and  audiences  with  enthu- 
siasm and  applause.  Mr.  d'Arnalle's  beautiful  voice,  perfect 
control  and,  above  all,  his  splendid  temperament,  guided  by 
deep  musicianly  instincts,  have  all  been  the  points  which  have 
delighted  audiences  and  critics.  Especially  happy  is  this 
artist  in  German  "Lieder,"  and  his  immense  repertoire  and 
musicianly  interpretations  of  this  wonderful  song-literature 
place  him  in  the  front  rank  of  singers  to-day. 

For  the  past  three  years  he  has  made  his  home  in  Chicago, 
where  his  studio  is  a  coveted  resort  for  musicians  and  music 
lovers. 

Perhaps  few  young  singers  have  won  more  unqualified 
commendation  from  the  press,  not  only  in  America  but  abroad 
as  well,  than  has  Mr.  d'Arnalle,  who  has  received  the  honors 
showered  upon  him  with  a  modesty  which  bespeaks  the  true 
artist. 

His  voice  is  a  wonderful  baritone — as  one  has  not  inaptly 
expressed  it,  "  he  is  a  really  God-given  singer."  His  method 
is  above  criticism,  his  interpretation  broad  and  poetic,  his 
phrasing  and  shading  beautiful,  his  enunciation  and  diction 
of  the  most  finished  order. 

The  repertoire  at  the  command  of  this  gifted  singer  is 
practically  limitless,  and  interpretations  of  the  classic  Ger- 
man Lieder  are  accepted  as  rare  examples  of  excellence,  al- 
though he  sings  with  equal  ease  in  English,  French,  Italian 
and  German. 


.  Uuella  Clarfc 


JHvs.  ludla  Clarfc  ISmerg. 


Mrs.  Luella  Clark  Emery  was  born  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio, 
and  has  a  musical  and  cultured  ancestry.  When  only  two 
years  old,  she  sang  many  songs  accurately,  and  when  eight 
years  old,  she  played  her  first  solo  at  a  public  concert.  Still 
her  unyielding  determination  to  master  every  difficulty  and 
her  improvement  of  every  opportunity  for  musical  advance- 
ment have,  doubtless,  been  greater  factors  in  her  success  than 
her  inherited  talent.  At  the  age  of  twelve,  she  was  church 
organist,  and  when  sixteen,  at  Lock  Haven,  Pa.,  she  had  a  large 
class  of  pupils,  and  was  church  organist  and  pianist  for  the 
Handel  and  Haydn  Society.  Soon  after  her  marriage  to  Col. 
J.  M.  Emery,  they  moved  to  Lemars,  Iowa,  where  they  resided 
many  years.  During  these  years  Mrs.  Emery  spent  much 
time  in  the  East,  pursuing  her  studies  in  piano,  pipe-organ 
and  voice,  with  the  best  teachers  in  the  country.  At  Le- 
mars she  had  a  class  of  over  fifty  pupils ;  was  church  organist 
and  director  of  music  until  her  removal  to  Chicago,  in  1895 ; 
was  President  of  the  Mendelssohn  Club,  and  arranged  pro- 
grams for  public  and  private  rehearsals.  The  study  of  the 
different  composers  and  their  works,  as  planned  by  Mrs.  Em- 
ery and  consummated  under  her  directions,  did  much  to  ele- 
vate the  standard  of  music  in  that  city.  She  was  teacher  of 
piano,  pipe-organ  and  voice  in  the  Northwestern  Normal 


370  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

School,  and  also  in  the  Lemars  School  of  Art.  She  has  the 
rare  gift  of  being  a  fine  accompanist,  and  for  nine  years  was 
accompanist  at  the  Spirit  Lake  (Iowa)  Chautauqua,  six  years 
at  the  Marinette  (Wis.)  Assembly,  and  at  other  Chautauquas. 
In  assembly  and  convention  work  she  is  simply  invaluable, 
not  only  for  the  artistic  excellence  of  her  work  but  for  her  at- 
tention to  every  detail,  her  zeal  and  her  enthusiasm.  Pew 
appreciate  what  it  really  means  to  be  a  fine  accompanist;  it 
is  a  gift  born  with  one,  rather  than  acquired,  and  this  gift 
Mrs.  Emery  has  in  a  rare  degree.  Since  living  in  Chicago 
Mrs.  Emery  Ts  success  has  been  gratifying  and  deserved.  Her 
concert  engagements  have  been  numerous,  and  her  work  com- 
mended by  both  city  and  out-of-town  critics.  As  an  accom- 
panist, she  has  been  in  frequent  demand  by  visiting  artists. 
For  seven  consecutive  years  she  has  been  the  accompanist  for 
the  May  Festival  concerts  in  the  Auditorium,  and  has  always 
given  the  most  complete  satisfaction..  She  was  also  accom- 
panist at  the  Auditorium  meeting  of  the  Thanksgiving  ser- 
vices of  the  National  Peace  Jubilee,  and  on  other  important 
occasions.  Mrs.  Emery's  organ  work  in  Chicago  has  shown 
the  same  high  grade  of  artistic  excellence  which  has  charac- 
terized her  other  lines  of  work.  She  is  pianist  for  the  Men- 
delssohn Trio,  which  has  received  flattering  mention  on  all  oc- 
casions. Her  classes  in  piano  and  organ  pupils  have  in- 
creased rapidly  in  numbers  and  in  interest.  Her  tact,  pleas- 
ing personality  and  gift  for  imparting  knowledge,  with  an  ab- 
sorbing love  for  her  work,  have  placed  her  among  the  most 
successful  instructors  in  Chicago. 


Jftax 


Of  the  distinguished  artists  who  have  made  Chicago  their 
home  no  one  has  wielded  a  more  elevating  influence  upon  the 
musical  life  of  the  city  than  has  Max  Heinrich— an  accom- 
plished singer,  a  successful  teacher  and  enthusiastic  lecturer. 

He  was  born  in  1853,  and  from  an  early  age  showed  a 
decided  taste  for  music.  His  first  musical  education  was  re- 
ceived in  the  city  of  Zwickau,  Saxony,  where  he  studied  the 
piano  with  the  famous  composer  of  church  music,  Emanuel 
Kronoch  (Dr.  Klitsch).  Later  he  studied  piano,  composi- 
tion and  singing  in  the  conservatory  of  music  in  Dresden.  In 
1870  he  made  his  first  professional  engagement,  accepting  the 
position  of  "  corepetitor  "  of  an  opera  company  in  the  Grand 
Duchy  of  Neustrelitz.  In  1873,  Mr.  Heinrich  came  to  Amer- 
ica, and  for  several  years  devoted  himself  largely  to  teaching, 
principally  in  Philadelphia,  at  the  same  time  conscientiously 
preparing  for  the  work  which  made  his  reputation.  He  made 
his  debut  in  New  York,  in  the  oratorio  of  "  Elijah,"  under  the 
leadership  of  Dr.  Leopold  Damrosch.  His  singing  on  this  oc- 
casion aroused  the  greatest  enthusiasm,  and  he  received  many 
honors  and  attentions.  His  interpretation  of  this  great 
oratorio  has  been  adopted  by  many  of  our  most  celebrated  ora- 
torio singers.  From  this  time  he  became  widely  and  favor- 
ably known  both  in  this  country  and  in  Europe  as  one  of  the 

373 


374  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

most  distinguished  interpreters  of  oratorio,  German  Lieder 
and  English  ballad  singing. 

To  quote  from  a  recent  musical  journal,  he  is  celebrated 
for  "  the  rare  beauty  of  his  voice,  his  magnificent  dramatic 
ability,  and  the  correctness  of  his  interpretation." 

In  1888,  Mr.  Heinrich  went  to  London,  where  he  accepted 
a  professorship  in  the  Royal  Academy  of  Music,  in  London, 
and  remained  four  years.  Each  year,  during  this  time,  he 
made  a  trip  to  America  for  a  brief  season  of  public  work. 

From  1892  till  he  came  to  Chicago  he  resided  in  Boston, 
devoting  himself  very  largely  to  oratorio  work  and  classical 
song  recitals.  Someone  has  said  of  him,  "As  an  interpreter 
of  classical  songs  Mr.  Heinrich  is  without  a  peer,  and  his  re- 
citals are  masterpieces  of  scholarly,  artistic  singing."  His 
recitals  given  in  Chicago  have  been  notable  musical  events 
to  lovers  of  high-class  vocal  music.  For  a  time  he  held  a  posi- 
tion as  professor  of  vocal  culture  with  the  Chicago  Conserva- 
tory. 

His  clientelle  became  so  large  that  he  established  himself 
in  a  studio  in  the  Fine  Arts  Building,  where  he  is  at  present. 

Every  hour  of  the  day  is  occupied  in  the  work  of  teach- 
ing, and  yet  he  finds  time  to  keep  in  touch  with  the  best  musi- 
cal life  of  the  city  he  has  made  his  home.  He  is  exceedingly 
modest  in  regard  to  his  achievements,  and  ambitious  for  the 
best  results. 

His  songs  are  widely  sung,  and  his  two  melodramas, 
"  Magdalen  "  and  "  The  Raven,"  have  met  with  distinguished 


Jttarg 


Jftarg  lElt^afcetfj  Hincit. 


One  of  America's  greatest  dramatic  artists,  Mary  Eliza- 
beth Linck,  was  born  in  Evansville,  Ind.  Her  ancestry  were 
Scottish  nobility,  English,  German  and  Virginian  Quaker 
ministers.  The  best  qualities  of  these  various  peoples  seem  to 
have  been  concentrated  in  this  wonderful  singer,  with  her  dra- 
matic instincts  and  her  beautiful  mezzo-soprano-contralto 
voice. 

At  an  early  age  she  showed  the  independence,  persever- 
ance and  energy  of  the  Scotch,  the  elegance  and  refinement  of 
the  English,  the  sincerity  and  gentleness  of  the  Quaker,  and 
the  artistic  and  musical  temperament  of  the  German.  Her 
father,  Charles  E.  Linck,  died  six  months  before  her  birth, 
leaving  her  mother  widowed  for  the  second  time,  with  three 
children,  Mary  making  the  fourth.  Horatio  C.  Cooper  and 
Laura  V.  Cooper  are  her  half  brother  and  sister,  and  Maria 
Louise  Linck  was  her  own  sister. 

She  began  at  the  age  of  ten  years  the  study  of  the  piano. 
It  was  not,  however,  until  her  seventeenth  year  that  either  she 
or  her  friends  discovered  that  she  had  a  wonderful  voice.  A 
local  amateur  production  of  the  "  Grand  Duchess  "  was  given, 
in  which  she  was  assigned  a  short  solo.  Her  rendition  of  it 
was  a  surprise  to  her  audience  and  a  revelation  to  herself.  She 

at  once  began  voice  study,  and  spent  two  years  at  the  College 

377 


378  -  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

of  Music,  in  Cincinnati,  and  two  years  at  the  Chicago  Con- 
servatory. At  both  of  these  institutions  she  was  awarded  a 
free  scholarship  on  account  of  her  unusual  talent  and  wonder- 
ful voice.  After  another  year's  study  in  Milan,  Italy,  and  in 
London,  she  made  her  operatic  debut  in  Liverpool,  England, 
at  the  Eoyal  Court  Theatre,  in  February,  1893,  with  the  Royal 
Carl  Eosa  Company,  the  opera  being  "  Faust."  She  re- 
mained the  prima  donna  of  this  company  till  1895,  when  she 
<;ame  to  America.  She  made  her  debut  at  Daly's  Theatre, 
New  York,  with  Sir  Augustus  Harris'  London  Opera  Com- 
pany, in  Humperdinck's  great  German  opera  "  Hansel  and 
Gretel."  She  at  once  became  a  favorite,  and  since  that  time 
she  has  sung  in  every  city  of  importance  from  New  York  to 
San  Francisco,  and  her  career  has  been  a  succession  of  tri- 
umphs such  as  few  singers  have  known.  Among  her  reper- 
toire of  thirty-five  operas,  her  greatest  successes  have  been 
the  characters  of  Fidelis,  Azucena,  Santuzza,  Amneris,  Car- 
men, Mignon  and  Ortrud. 

The  experiences  of  stage  life  have  not  spoiled  her  sweet 
nature,  for  she  has  had  the  companionship  of  her  beloved 
mother  and  sister  Laura. 

Her  voice  is  remarkable  for  its  great  range,  power  and 
sympathetic  quality.  She  is  also  a  great  actress,  completely 
merging  her  own  individuality  into  that  of  the  character  por- 
trayed. She  stands  in  the  first  rank  of  American  Grand  Eng- 
lish opera  prima  donnas. 


Victor 


Victor  Heinze,  the  head  and  founder  of  the  Heinze  School 
of  Artistic  Piano-Playing,  in  Chicago,  is  known  here  and  in 
the  old  country  as  one  of  the  first  pianists,  while  as  instruc- 
tor he  ranks  with  the  best  in  the  world. 

The  attainments  of  his  class  have  created  surprise  in  this 
country  and  in  the  musical  centers  of  Europe,  from  which  flat- 
tering offers  have  been  extended  to  him. 

From  his  father,  Leopold  Heinze,  the  author  of  theoreti- 
cal and  didactical  works  in  use  in  Germany,  England,  France, 
Austria,  Italy  and  Russia,  he  has  inherited  a  powerful  men- 
tality, a  tireless  perseverance,  thoroughness  and  acute  percep- 
tion, which  characterize  the  real  student. 

In  early  manhood,  the  German  Government  appointed 
him  director  of  the  Musical  Department  of  the  Royal  School 
at  Schweidnitz,  in  recognition  of  his  eminent  capabilities  as  a 
musician  and  his  rare  faculty  as  an  instructor. 

His  collegiate  and  musical  education  was  acquired  in 
Breslau,  Berlin  and  Vienna,  where  he  placed  himself  under 
the  tuition  of  Leschetizky,  and  became  an  enthusiastic  ad- 
mirer of  his  principles  of  piano-playing.  Having  thoroughly 
mastered  this  simple,  but  definite,  method  of  instruction,  he 
now  makes  teaching  his  principal  work. 

The  training  of  finished  pianists  and  capable  teachers  is 

381 


382  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

his  chief  ambition,  and  for  this  work  his  undeniable  efficiency 
as  an  eminently  competent  educator  peculiarly  fits  him.  As 
a  pianist,  his  versatile  style  demonstrates  a  rare  brilliancy  and 
breadth,  evincing  warmth  and  passion  without  undue  senti- 
mentality, being  the  scholarly  work  of  a  thinker  as  well  as  an 
artist. 

Mr.  Heinze  is  probably  the  most  successful  exponent  of 
Prof.  Leschetizky's  incomparable  system  of  piano-playing  in 
America.  The  annual  recitals  (from  eight  to  ten  in  number), 
given  by  students  of  his  class,  both  young  and  adult,  have 
attracted  large  musical  audiences,  and  the  artistic  perform- 
ances of  the  most  exacting  programs  have  seldom  been  equaled 
here.  As  one  of  America's  best-known  musical  critics  and 
writers,  Mr.  Mathews,  says:  "  They  are  the  most  remarkable 
series  of  piano-recitals  ever  given  in  Chicago.  The  most  dif- 
ficult and  largest  piano  works  were  performed,  and  the  ren- 
dition was  marked  by  the  high  degree  of  finish  which  alone 
will  gratify  and  satisfy  the  artist."  As  a  consequence,  Mr. 
Heinze  has  gathered  about  him  appreciative  and  ambitious 
artists  and  students,  from  near  and  far,  who  avail  themselves 
of  his  instructions,  many  of  them  holding  high  positions  in 
musical  schools  and  educational  institutions. 

He  has,  in  addition  to  his  arduous  work  as  a  teacher,  pub- 
lished a  most  valuable  booklet,  "An  interesting,  instructive 
and  honest  word  to  parents,  students  of  music  and  especially 
piano  pupils  and  teachers  and  all  friends  of  musical  art," 
which  should  be  read  carefully  by  all  who  take  an  interest  in 
music  and  its  advancement. 


,  Jftarie  OTfjtte 


Ittrs.  jttavit  TOfjitc  Hongman. 


Although  now  so  closely  identified  with  the  musical  life 
of  Illinois,  and  particularly  of  Chicago,  Mrs.  Marie  White 
Longman  is  a  native  of  Michigan,  in  which  State  she  began 
her  career  as  a  musician.  She  came  from  a  musical  family, 
and  very  early  developed  not  only  a  love  but  a  decided  talent 
for  that  highest  of  arts.  She  began  her  musical  studies  when 
only  eight  years  of  age,  first  on  the  piano  and  soon  after  on  the 
pipe-organ.  At  fourteen  she  was  appointed  organist  of  a 
prominent  church,  and  for  three  years  played  a  large  three- 
manual  organ.  In  her  seventeenth  year,  while  pursuing  lit- 
erary studies  in  a  Michigan  college,  she  was  repeatedly  urged 
by  the  vocal  instructor  of  the  institution  to  devote  herself  to 
the  cultivation  of  her  voice.  From  the  beginning  she  made 
rapid  progress,  and  was  soon  sought  for  as  a  soloist  by 
churches  and  musical  societies  throughout  Michigan  and  other 
States.  In  the  year  1897,  she  was  graduated  from  both  the 
instrumental  and  vocal  departments  of  the  Conservatory. 

Desiring  to  place  herself  under  the  tuition  of  the  best 
teachers,  and  wishing  for  opportunity  to  enter  more  extensive- 
ly into  the  professional  field  as  soloist  and  teacher,  Mrs.  Long- 
man came  to  Chicago,  where  she  has  since  lived. 

The  excellence  of  her  work  was  soon  recognized  by  lead- 
ing musicians,  and  by  such  organizations  as  the  Apollo  Club, 

385 


386  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

by  whom  she  was  selected  as  soloist  on  several  occasions.  She 
has  always  acquitted  herself  most  admirably  to  the  satisfac- 
tion of  the  club  and  her  audiences.  For  six  years  she  has 
been  the  contralto  soloist  of  the  St.  James  Methodist  Church. 
While  Mrs.  Longman  is,  perhaps,  best  known  on  the  concert 
platform,  she  is  no  less  successful  as  a  teacher,  and  devotes 
much  of  her  time  to  a  large  class  of  pupils. 

Earnest  application  and  careful  attention  to  details— 
requisites  of  musical  success— have  been  marked  character- 
istics of  her  work,  from  the  first  simple  exercises  to  the  later 
finer  and  more  elaborate  work  which  make  the  finished  artist. 
She  is  ambitious  for  her  pupils,  and  is  faithful  in  her  effort 
to  exact  from  them  work  as  conscientious  and  as  painstaking 
as  was  that  of  her  own  student  life.  Her  voice  is  of  the  true 
contralto  quality,  rare  as  sweet,  and  seems  especially  adapted 
for  oratorio  work.  At  the  same  time  she  has  great  versatility 
of  talent,  and  gives  the  most  delicate  vocalization  necessary 
for  concert  or  recital  with  a  charm  peculiarly  her  own.  Her 
presence  before  an  audience  is  most  dignified  and  pleasing. 
At  ease  herself,  she  brings  to  her  audience  a  sense  of  delight, 
even  before  it  is  thrilled  with  the  beauty  of  her  voice.  She 
has  won  for  herself  the  just  praise  and  respect  both  of  critics 
and  the  general  public.  •.  f 


Jftax  Hramm, 


Eramm. 


Few  musicians  have  attained  so  marked  a  recognition  of 
their  abilities  at  so  early  an  age  as  has  Max  Kramm,  the 
pianist.  He  was  born  in  Soldin,  Germany,  in  1872,  and  when 
but  seven  years  old  was  placed  in  the  Kullak's  Acadenry,  in 
Berlin,  where  he  remained  fourteen  years.  His  conscientious 
endeavor  and  marked  talent  attracted  the  attention  of  the 
director,  and  he  had  the  great  advantage  of  receiving  tuition 
for  four  years  from  Kullak  himself. 

In  1892,  he  came  to  New  York  with  letters  of  introduction 
from  Philip  Scharwenka,  the  composer,  to  a  number  of  promi- 
nent musicians  and  managers,  among  whom  was  the  pianist, 
Max  Liebling,  brother  of  the  Chicago  pianist.  After  remain- 
ing a  .short  time  in  that  city  as  the  guest  of  Mr.  Liebling,  he 
accepted  an  engagement  with  a  concert  company  as  solo  pian- 
ist, and  made  an  extended  tour  through  the  South  and  West. 
While  on  this  trip  he  came  to  Chicago,  and  was  so  attracted 
to  the  city  that  he  decided  to  remain  there  and  establish  him- 
self as  a  teacher. 

It  was  at  first  a  venture  fraught  with  disappointment 
and,  to  a  degree,  with  hardship.  His  absolute  lack  of  famil- 
iarity with  American  methods,  and  his  feeling  that  it  was  un- 
professional for  him  to  introduce  himself  by  advertising,  pre- 
vented his  receiving  the  immediate  recognition  which  his 
genius  as  an  artist  and  his  ability  as  a  teacher  deserved. 


390  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

He  became,  however,  connected  with  the  Chicago  College 
of  Music  as  director  of  the  piano  department,  and  as  he  be- 
came known  the  public  began  to  realize  the  fact  that  in  Mr. 
Kramm  Chicago  had  an  artist  of  unusual  talent.  He  re- 
mained in  the  college  for  a  year,  and  then  opened  a  studio  of 
his  own.  It  is  now  about  ten  years  since  he  came  to  Chicago, 
and  he  has  established  himself  in  the  foremost  ranks  of 
musicians  here. 

With  each  year  his  possibilities  as  a  teacher  and  pianist 
have  revealed  themselves  to  a  greater  degree,  for  his  diligence 
in  study  is  unceasing,  and  his  devotion  to  his  chosen  art  is  ab- 
solute. 

In  1897,  Mr.  Henry  Meeker  wrote  of  Mr.  Kramm-"  Of 
a  modest  and  retiring  disposition  in  general  life,  at  the  piano 
he  grows  to  gigantic  height.  The  most  complicated  technical 
difficulties  are  to  him  but  child's  play;  his  tone-building  dis- 
plays an  active  perception,  his  expression  is  full  of  ani- 
mation, and  betrays  a  deep,  sunny  spirit.  From  a  musician 
so  gifted  by  God's  grace  great  things  may  be  expected.  We 
hope  and  believe  Mr.  Kramm  will  soon  receive  the  recognition 
which  he  deserves." 

Mr.  Kramm 's  studio,  in  Kimball  Hall,  is  a  favorite  place 
with  true  music-lovers,  and  every  hour  of  his  time  is  taxed  to 
the  utmost  to  accommodate  those  who  desire  to  place  them- 
selves under  his  instruction,  and  he  feels  that  his  success  is  all 
he  could  possibly  desire. 


ffimt.  jFranasca  (iutfjw 


.  Jfranceaca 


To  Mme.  Francesca  Guthrie  Moyer  belongs  the  honor  of 
being  one  of  the  principal  dramatic  sopranos  produced  by  this 
country.  She  occupied  a  prominent  place  on  the  lyric  stage 
of  America  from  1880  to  1892,  after  which  she  devoted  her- 
self to  oratorio  and  concert  work.  She  was  born  in  San  Fran- 
cisco, Cal.,  where  her  father  occupied  important  public  posi- 
tions, having  come  to  California  from  the  Empire  State. 
Mme.  Giithrie  Moyer  inherited  rare  musical  gifts  from  her 
mother,  nee  Emma  Gosson,  of  Dublin,  Ireland,  an  artist  of 
prominence  and  a  friend  of  Delsarte,  Garcia,  Panofka,  and 
others.  To  her  talented  mother  she  is  much  indebted  for  her 
careful  early  vocal  training  and  for  the  inspiration  of  that 
enthusiasm  which  led  her  to  pursue  her  studies  in  Paris,  Ber- 
lin and  Milan.  She  speaks  fluently  French,  German  and  Ital- 
ian. Her  repertoire  is  most  extensive,  including  sixty  grand 
operas,  many  oratorios  and  an  unlimited  number  of  concert 
arias  from  great  composers.  Her  fine  soprano  voice  ranges 
from  lower  G  to  high  E,  and  has  remarkable  volume  and 
power,  yet  is  flexible,  smooth  and  deeply  sympathetic.  She 
sings  equally  well  the  florid  music  of  the  French  and  Italian 
masters  and  that  of  Wagner's  music-drama,  Valentine  in 
"  Les  Huguenots,"  Violetta  in  "  Traviata,"  Nornia,  Mar- 
guerite in  "  Faust,"  Elizabeth  in  "  Tanneha-n^er, "  Santa  in 

393 


394  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

"  Flying  Dutchman,"  and  others.  Her  versatility  is  demon- 
strated by  the  success  which  attended  her  appearance  as  Zer- 
lina  in  "  Fra  Diavolo  "  and  other  works.  In  oratorio  and 
concert  work  in  the  Worcester  Music  Festival,  in  1894,  and 
the  Wagnerian  Festival,  in  Indianapolis,  the  same  year;  at 
Madison  Square  Garden  concerts,  under  Seidl,  Damrosch, 
Sousa,  and  others,  Mme.  Guthrie  achieved  great  success.  In 
oratorio  she  reminded  one  of  the  lamented  Parepa  Rosa,  in 
opera  one  was  inclined  to  class  her  with  Albani.  In  opera  she 
sang  with  Theodor  Reichmann,  Sig.  Ravelli,  Anton  Schatt, 
and  other  eminent  artists.  As  a  church  singer  she  occupied 
the  most  prominent  position  in  Chicago  for  some  years  in 
connection  with  concerts,  oratorios  and  Catholic  church  music. 
The  newspapers,  from  Maine  to  California,  have  vied  with 
each  other  in  highest  praise  of  her  singing.  Personally  she 
is  a  handsome,  graceful  woman,  possessed  of  a  magnetic  pres- 
ence. Those  who  have  enjoyed  hearing  her  will  ever  bear 
her  in  pleasant  memory,  and  those  who  know  her  best  as  the 
great,  true  artist,  the  loving  wife  and  mother,  realize  that  her 
beautiful  voice  mirrors  a  grand  nature  and  a  true  woman. 

In  1890  Francesca  Guthrie  married  Charles  Daniel 
Moyer,  and  as  the  presiding  genius  of  an  elegant  home  in 
Chicago,  the  mother  of  two  lovely  children  and  the  center  of  a 
truly  musical  circle,  she  still  finds  much  pleasure  in  devo- 
tion to  her  much-loved  and  beautiful  art.  Mme.  Guthrie- 
Moyer  is  the  sister  of  William  D.  Guthrie,  the  eminent  law 
yer  of  New  York  City. 


Human 


Human 


Luman  A.  Phelps  is  a  native  of  Burlington,  Vermont, 
where  he  was  born,  January  12,  1854.  From  his  childhood 
there  was  something  in  the  tones  of  his  voice  which  betokened 
a  musical  destiny,  for  his  gift  of  song  attracted  attention 
while  he  was  passing  through  the  grades  of  a  common  school 
education. 

In  1870,  he  came  to  Chicago,  and  took  his  first  course  of 
instruction  in  the  Chicago  Musical  College.  The  first  prize 
ever  awarded  to  any  pupil  in  that  institution  was  won  by  him, 
in  1873.  The  year  following  he  went  to  Europe,  and  for  six 
years  studied  in  Leipsic  under  Dr.  Powell  for  the  piano,  and 
with  Adolph  Ichimin  for  the  voice.  From  Leipsic  he  went 
to  Italy,  where,  under  the  tutorship  of  Lamperti  and  Van- 
nuccini,  he  made  progress,  winning  recognition  from  these 
"  grand  old  masters  "  for  his  brilliant  and  elaborate  playing. 
In  spite  of  his  prospects  as  a  pianist,  he  decided  to  make  voice 
culture  his  permanent  aim.  After  completing  his  course  with 
these  masters,  he  sang  and  acted  the  role  of  Faust  at  Savig- 
liano,  Italy,  with  such  success  that  he  received  a  flattering 
offer  from  Carlotta  Patti,  then  in  the  zenith  of  her  fame,  to 
accompany  her  as  tenor  in  an  American  tour.  Under  these 
then  brilliant  auspices  he  returned  to  his  native  land  and 

made  an  extensive  tour  through  the  East  and  West.    Coming 

397 


398  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

to  Chicago  in  1880,  he  decided  to  abandon  the  operatic  and 
concert  stage  and  devote  his  energies  to  his  cherished  ideas  of 
vocal  culture. 

Mr.  Phelps'  specialty  is  "  the  placing  of  the  voice  prop- 
erly," and  his  wonderful  success  may  be  seen  in  the  brilliant 
line  of  pupils  who  have  studied  with  him.  He  is  a  firm  be- 
liever in  the  Italian  method,  and  since  success  is  measured  6y 
results,  the  popular  acceptance  of  singers  trained  under  this 
regime  would  seem  to  mean  public  endorsement.  Mr.  Phelps 
may  well  feel  pride  in  naming  among  his  pupils  August  Liver- 
man,  who  has  been  acclaimed  as  the  best  basso  profundo 
America  has  ever  produced,  at  present  at  the  Royal  Opera 
House,  in  Munich;  George  lott,  who  has  found  responsive 
listeners  through  the  West;  Clarence  E.  Whitehill,  a  young 
singer  of  rare  promise ;  Frank  Ormsby,  a  tenor  of  great  abil- 
ity, and  others  already  known  to  fame.  His  passion  for  com- 
plete musical  expression  through  the  human  voice  has  become 
a  kind  of  religion. 

Entering  Mr.  Phelps'  studio  one  feels  at  once  enveloped 
in  the  atmosphere  of  art.  The  choicest  rugs,  rare  bits  of 
claisonne,  portraits  of  masters,  gems  of  art  which  invite  at- 
tention, make  a  room  characteristic  of  the  man. 

From  all  parts  of  America  Mr.  Phelps  has  constantly  ap- 
plicants anxious  to  place  themselves  under  his  valuable  tute- 
lage. 


jftme.  ©oltato  Zimmerman, 


<y 


ffinu.  gtoltato  Zimmerman* 


In  the  very  foremost  rank  among  America's  great  sing- 
ers and  successful  teachers  is  Mme.  Ooliato  Zimmerman.  She 
possesses  a  contralto  voice  which  is  magnificent  in  quality, 
sympathetic  to  a  rare  degree  and  perfectly  cultivated.  Her 
singing  at  once  reveals  her  complete  mastery  of  her  chosen 
art.  Few  artists  are  endowed  with  such  an  exquisitely  musi- 
cal nature,  and  this,  added  to  the  intellectual  interpretation 
she  gives  to  the  songs  of  the  great  masters,  places  her  high 
in  her  profession.  Mme.  Zimmerman  was  for  several  years 
associated  with  the  leading  singers  of  Europe,  and,  after  a 
most  successful  tour  through  its  leading  cities,  has  returned 
to  her  own  country.  Wherever  she  appeared  in  those  cities 
she  achieved  the  most  pronounced  success,  both  in  song  re- 
citals and  the  most  exacting  oratorio  work. 

She  has  received  the  most  flattering  encomiums,  both  on 
her  excellence  as  a  teacher  and  her  skill  as  an  artist,  from  the 
best  professional  critics  of  the  day.  We  quote  from  a  few  of 
them.  Of  her  singing  Edouard  De  Reske  said—"  You  are  an 
artist;  some  are  musicians,  so  few  are  artists."  George 
Henschel,  after  hearing  her  sing,  said— "  You  have  great  con- 
ception." Mme.  Mathilde  Marches!  said  to  her—"  I  meet 
very  few  Americans  who  are  as  good  a  teacher  as  you."  M. 

Delle  Sadie,  in  enthusiastic  way,  exclaimed—"  You  sing  good; 

401 


402  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

you  must  teach  great,"  and  Mme.  Marie  Roze  added  this  testi- 
mony—" It  is  a  pleasure  to  meet  so  great  a  teacher."  These 
are  only  a  few  of  the  many  flattering  comments  which  artists 
have  made  upon  the  work  of  this  great  singer  and  teacher. 

Many  have  wondered  that,  with  her  magical  voice,  her 
charming  personality  which  wins  her  friends  wherever  she 
goes,  she  has  not  devoted  her  life  entirely  to  the  career  for 
which  she  seems  so  well  fitted  on  the  concert  or  operatic  stage. 
But  the  work  of  teaching,  for  which  she  is  peculiarly  well  en- 
dowed, appeals  to  her  most  strongly,  and  her  success  has  been 
so  great  in  this  direction  that  she  feels  she  must  not  give  it  up. 
Her  studio  is  perhaps  one  of  the  brightest  spots  in  all  Chicago. 
One  recognizes  there  her  rare  charm  of  manner  and  fascinat- 
ing way  of  presenting  even  the  work  which  must  be  done.  The 
devotion  shown  her  by  her  pupils  is  really  a  beautiful  tribute 
to  this  teacher.  They  seem  to  look  forward  with  pleasure  to 
their  lessons,  instead  of  regarding  them,  as  is  too  often  the  case, 
as  a  dreaded  task.  And  yet  Mme.  Zimmerman  is  an  energetic 
teacher,  impressing  upon  her  pupils  the  thought  that  there  is 
no  royal  road  to  success,  that  only  by  work,  systematic  and 
untiring,  achievement  is  obtained. 

For  the  past  two  years  Mme.  Zimmerman  has  been  asso- 
ciated with  the  Chicago  Auditorium  Conservatory. 


WILHELM  MIDDLESCHULTE. 


There  is  no  question  but  that  Wilhelm  Middleschulte 
stands  in  the  very  foremost  rank  of  the  organists  of  to-day. 
His  early  education  was  the  best,  and  he  has  been,  all  his  life, 
an  indefatigable  student.  When  little  more  than  a  child  he 
entered  the  Royal  Academy  of  Church  Music,  in  Berlin,  and 
for  three  years  was  a  student  of  August  Haupt  in  organ  and 
theory,  of  Albert  Loeschorn  in  piano  study  and  of  Dr.  Julius 
Alsleben  for  conducting.  His  progress  so  enlisted  the  inter- 
est of  these  great  masters  that  Haupt  made  him  his  assistant 
organist  at  the  Royal  Academy. 

In  1868,  he  accepted  a  position  as  organist  and  choir- 
leader  in  one  of  the  largest  churches  in  Berlin.  In  1891,  Mr. 
Middleschulte  came  to  Chicago  to  enter  upon  the  duties  of 
musical  director  and  organist  of  the  Holy  Name  Cathedral. 
In  America  he  was  at  once  accorded  a  place  among  leading 
musicians,  and  as  the  years  have  passed  he  has  added  to  his 
laurels,  and  in  the  modest,  unassuming  way  which  is  one  of 
his  characteristics,  has  steadily  advanced  in  his  profession. 
He  was  invited,  before  he  left  Berlin,  to  play  at  the  memorial 
service  for  Emperor  Frederick  III.,  at  the  church  in  Born- 
stedt,  near  Potsdam,  a  church  which  the  Emperor  frequently 
attended.  The  day  before  he  left  for  America  the  funeral  of 
his  beloved  teacher,  August  Haupt,  took  place.  In  compli- 

405 


406  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

ance  with  the  request  of  the  family,  he  played  on  Haupt's  own 
organ  Bach's  "  C  Minor  Fantasie,"  which  was  a  great 
favorite  with  the  deceased  organist.  At  this  funeral  Joachim 
and  many  distinguished  musicians  were  present. 

At  the  time  of  the  Columbian  Exposition,  Mr.  Middle- 
schulte,  by  special  invitation,  gave  three  recitals  before  those 
wonderful  audiences  of  artists  from  all  parts  of  the  world. 

A  year  later,  he  played  at  the  Auditorium  with  the  Chi- 
cago Orchestra  the  solo  of  Alexander  Guilmant's  first  con- 
certo. His  success  was  such  that  he  immediately  received  the 
appointment  as  organist  for  that  organization,  a  position  he 
has  filled  to  the  great  delight  of  the  orchestra  and  its  audi- 
ences. Those  who  are  best  fitted  to  judge  prophesy  his  suc- 
cess as  a  composer,  for  what  he  has  already  written  shows  most 
unusual  merit.  He  has  studied  both  the  classic  and  modern 
schools  of  music,  and  plays  all  his  programs  from  memory, 
which  is  very  exceptional  with  organists.  Bernard  Ziehn,  the 
highest  authority  in  the  realm  of  musical  composition,  said 
of  Wilhelm  Middleschulte 's  "  Passacoglia  "— "  Since  the 
'  Passacoglia  '  of  Bach,  no  work  of  that  kind  has  come  to 
light  which  deserved  comparison  with  Middleschulte 's  '  Pas- 
sacoglia.' "  Clarence  Eddy  showed  his  estimate  of  his  ability 
as  a  teacher  by  leaving  his  pupils  in  Mr.  Middleschulte 's 
charge  while  on  a  trip  abroad. 

For  the  past  seven  years  he  has  been  at  the  head  of  the 
organ  department  of  the  American  Conservatory,  Chicago,  and 
is  putting  the  impress  of  his  own  scholarly  musical  interpre- 
tation upon  some  of  the  best  organ  pupils  in  that  city. 


JLutilt  &tebenson  fteto&stfwrg. 


Huctle  ^tcbenson  Cetofcsfcurg* 


Miss  Lucile  Stevenson  Tewksbury  was  born  October  1, 
1873,  in  Evans,  Colorado.  In  1878,  the  family  moved  to  St. 
Louis,  and  there  she  began  the  study  of  the  piano,  while  a  lit- 
tle child,  and  continued  it  till  she  was  nineteen  years  of  age. 

In  1882,  she  moved  to  Des  Moines,  Iowa,  where  she  still 
pursued  her  piano  study  with  Delia  Winders  Bonbright.  In 
1893,  she  began  the  work  of  voice  culture  with  Prof.  Lieb,  of 
Kansas  City.  The  following  year  she  cair.e  to  Chicago  and 
studied  for  a  short  time  with  Clement  Tetedoux  and  A.  D. 
Dunvier. 

It  is,  however,  to  Charles  W.  Clark,  now  residing  in 
Paris,  whose  pupil  she  was  for  five  years,  that  she  gives  high- 
est praise,  and  whom  she  credits  largely  with  her  success. 
Recognizing  her  ability,  he  gave  her  special  work  and  taught 
her  to  know  and  to  use  her  musical  resources.  She  has  held 
some  of  the  most  coveted  church  choir  positions  in  Chicago. 
Among  them  are  the  New  England  Congregational  Church, 
Forty-first  St.  Presbyterian,  Hyde  Park  Presbyterian,  Ply- 
mouth Congregational  and,  for  the  past  four  years,  with  the 
Second  Presbyterian  Church.  She  has  a  very  large  class  of 
pupils,  which  she  teaches  in  her  home,  many  of  whom  fill  prom- 
inent church  positions  in  Chicago  and  neighboring  cities.  Her 

voice  is  a  true  soprano,  whose  tone  production  is  excellent,  and 

409 


410  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

she  sings  with  much  taste  and  expression.  Her  interpreta- 
tion of  themes  is  intelligent,  her  tones  pure  and  sympathetic, 
while  her  vocalization  shows  the  splendid  musical  education 
she  has  had.  She  has  also  a  dramatic  quality  of  voice  which 
is  most  effective,  and  wherever  she  has  sung  she  has  at  once 
become  a  favorite  with  her  audiences.  She  is  peculiarly  fitted 
for  oratorio  work,  and  this  she  regards  as  her  greatest  accom- 
plishment. 

The  facility  with  which  she  interprets  even  difficult 
themes,  her  dramatic  rendering  of  many  passages  and  the 
sweet,  sympathetic  tone  which  is  never  lacking,  make  a  tout 
ensemble  which  should  win  for  her  a  place  among  the  very 
best  singers  of  oratorio. 

Her  class  work  and  her  church  work  have  been  so  absorb- 
ing as  to  leave  little  time  for  the  concert  work  in  which  she 
delights  and  for  which  she  is  so  pre-eminently  fitted.  She 
is,  however,  exceedingly  ambitious,  and  past  successes  will  not 
allow  her  to  rest  on  her  laurels,  but  will  stimulate  her  to  still 
greater  achievement.  Those  who  know  Miss  Tewksbury  best 
recognize  her  versatility  of  talent,  and  predict  for  her  a  bril- 
liant future,  not  only  as  a  concert  singer  but  in  the  more  dif- 
ficult and,  to  her,  most  fascinating  work  in  oratorio.  With 
her  pupils  she  lays  special  stress  on  the  right  interpretation 
of  every  theme,  recognizing  the  truth,  so  often  ignored,  that 
without  intelligent  interpretation  the  most  brilliant  vocaliza- 
tion fails  to  charm. 


Filtm. 


JOSEPH  YILIM. 


'Filtm. 


Joseph  Vilim  was  born  in  Chicago,  January  18,  1861,  of 
Bohemian  parentage.  His  father  was  a  musician,  and  the 
child,  whose  youth  was  spent  in  Chicago,  early  imbibed  the 
love  for  the  music  which  was  his  home  environment.  He  be- 
gan the  study  of  the  violin  with  his  older  brother,  Frank,  but 
made  such  rapid  progress  that  he  continued  his  studies,  first 
with  Prof.  Prosinger,  afterward  with  "Wm.  Fehl.  He  evinced 
very  soon  a  rare  ability  as  a  musician  and  a  peculiar  deftness 
and  delicacy  of  touch  on  his  chosen  instrument.  His  first  ap- 
pearance of  any  note  was  in  the  old  Matteson  House,  now  the 
Wellington  Hotel.  At  this  time  he  won  many  laurels,  and  in 
musical  circles  a  brilliant  career  was  predicted  for  him.  In 
1880  he  went  to  Prague,  where  he  passed  the  examination  and 
entered  the  fifth  year  of  the  famous  Conservatory  of  Music. 

He  graduated  from  this  Conservatory  in  1882,  and  the 
following  year  he  returned  to  Chicago.  Very  soon  after  his 
return  he  became  a  teacher  of  the  violin  in  the  Chicago  Musi- 
cal College,  and  remained  in  this  position  for  three  years.  He 
then  accepted  the  directorship  of  the  violin  department  of  the 
American  Conservatory  of  Music,  which  position  he  held  for 
more  than  twelve  years.  An  ardent  lover  of  music,  devoted 
to  the  violin,  and  with  the  faculty  of  imparting  his  knowledge 

to  others  so  as  to  be  a  real  inspiration  to  the  best  effort,  his 

413 


414  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

success  as  a  teacher  has  been  most  pronounced.  During  this 
time  he  made  a  visit  of  nine  months  to  Euorpe,  in  1886-7.  Re- 
turning to  Chicago,  he  became  identified  with  the  Theodore 
Thomas  Orchestra,  and  for  two  years,  the  seasons  of  1894-5 
and  1895-6,  he  held  the  position  of  first  violinist  in  that  or- 
ganization. He  also  founded  the  Vilim  Trio.  In  1899,  his 
ambition  was  realized  in  the  founding  of  his  own  school,  a 
hope  he  had  cherished  for  some  years.  This  school  was  incor- 
porated as  the  American  Violin  School,  and  immediately  ob- 
tained recognition  as  an  important  factor  in  musical  circles  in 
Chicago.  From  this  school  have  gone  out  violinists  who  have 
been  in  demand  for  the  first  and  most  important  places  in 
leading  orchestras,  and  also  some  who  are  known  as  fine  solo- 
ists. Mr.  Vilim  is  now  at  the  head  of  the  Vilim  Trio  and 
Vilim  Orchestral  Club.  The  programs  given  by  Mr.  Vilim 
have  received  flattering  comment  both  in  Chicago  and  in 
Europe.  Among  his  friends  abroad  are  numbered  many 
known  to  fame,  as  the  entire  family  of  Bedrich  Smetana,  of 
Bohemia;  Dr.  Antoine  Dvorak,  of  Prague;  Prant.  Ondrieek, 
now  abroad;  Prof.  Hlavac,  of  St.  Petersburg;  Jan  Kubelik, 
Jaroslav  Kocian,  Bogea  Umiroff,  and  others;  while  in  Chi- 
cago he  has  the  friendship  and  heartiest  good  will  of  all  his  col- 
leagues, who  recognize  in  him  not  only  a  rare  teacher  but  an 
artist  as  well. 


.  fflelilai)  IPattg 


tf  <= 


,  IBelilaJ)  Watts 


Mrs.  Delilah  Patty  Wesener  is  a  native  of  the  State  of  In- 
diana. She  is  the  great-granddaughter  of  a  Huguenot  and 
the  second  daughter  of  Nathan  Patty,  who  served  in  the  Mex- 
ican War.  From  such  ancestry  one  looks  for  talent,  enthu- 
siastic devotion  to  whatever  is  undertaken  and  for  early  ma- 
turity of  thought.  Expectation  was  not  disappointed  in  De- 
lilah Patty.  She  was  endowed  with  a  wonderful  contralto 
voice,  dramatic,  yet  sympathetic  in  quality,  and  of  extra- 
ordinary range  and  power.  Realizing,  at  least  to  some  extent, 
the  possibilities  before  her,  she  very  early  decided  to  devote 
herself  to  grand  opera.  To  this  end  she  labored  conscientious- 
ly and  successfully.  Before  she  was  twenty  years  of  age  she 
had  devoted  two  years  to  mastering  a  dramatic  reputation, 
and  her  achievements  awakened  the  most  flattering  hopes  in 
the  hearts  of  her  friends  and  stimulated  her  own  ambitions. 
At  this  time  she  came  to  Chicago  to  continue  her  musical 
studies,  and  at  the  same  time  educate  herself  along  general 
lines.  Here  she  met  and  subsequently  married  Dr.  J.  A.  Wese- 
ner. Many  a  time  has  matrimony  taken  one  of  brilliant  prom- 
ise from  an  expectant  public  to  be  the  center  of  a  home,  and 
such  was  the  case  with  Mrs.  Wesener.  She  abandoned  all 
thought  of  the  operatic  career  which  till  then  had  meant  so 

much  to  her.    The  talented  nature  could  not,  however,  lie  dor- 

417 


418  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

mant,  and  her  time  since  her  marriage  has  been  devoted  to 
the  study  of  the  languages,  philosophy,  and  the  literature  of 
song. 

In  this  way  her  artistic  impulses  have  been  gratified,  and 
from  her  pen  has  come  much  of  interest  and  value.  We  are 
glad  to  give  place  to  some  of  her  thoughts  on  the  oft-recur- 
ring question,  "  Why  many  singers  fail  to  become  artists." 
Mrs.  Wesener  has  no  repining  over  the  giving  up  of  public 
life,  for  which  she  was  so  eminently  fitted,  and  to  which  she 
had  dedicated  herself.  She  is  happy  in  the  quiet  of  her  home 
life,  and  her  music,  pictures  and  books  are  her  delight.  She 
is  deeply  in  sympathy  with  every  student,  with  every  art-lov- 
ing soul,  and  her  experience,  wide  reading  and  intelligent  ob- 
servation make  her  a  wise  counsellor  for  those  who  are  per- 
haps beginning  with  trembling  steps  to  tread  the  path  which 
may  lead  to  fame.  The  article  from  her  pen  is  stamped  with 
the  individuality  of  thought  which  is  a  characteristic  of  this 
gifted  woman. 

Music  and  musical  archievements  are  as  dear  to  her  as  in 
the  olden  time.  The  literary  treasures  of  many  lands  have 
been  made  possible  to  her  by  her  mastery  of  languages,  and 
she  delights  to  delve  beneath  the  surface  with  a  spirit  of  true 
philosophy  in  her  quest  after  the  real  inspiration  of  result. 


Becomes  oC  tfte  Plan])  ^tutrents 
in  Ringing; " 


If  it  is  not  generally  known  that  our  large  cities  yearly 
receive  and  contain  many  hundreds  of  students,  who  cherish 
the  hope  of  becoming  great  artists,  at  least  almost  every  per- 
son has  had,  or  still  has,  a  relative,  friend  or  acquaintance  for 
whom  the  ambition  was  cherished  that  they  might  prove  to 
be  the  "  coming  singer."  Possibly  few  questions  with  musi- 
cal life  suggest  themselves  with  greater  frequency  than  this, 
"  What  becomes  of  the  many  students  of  singing;  why  do  they 
not  rise  to  prove  themselves  real  artists'?" 

Commencement  day  came,  applause  was  rapturous,  a  gold 
medal  was  awarded,  and  hope  beat  high  in  the  hearts  of  the 
ambitious  pupil  and  admiring  friends,  while  even  those  indif- 
ferent remarked,  "  What  a  beautiful  voice !  That  pupil  should 
have  a  great  future. "  But  what  has  been  the  result  1  Fora 
time— perhaps  two  years,  possibly  a  little  longer— this  "  com- 
ing singer  "  is  much  spoken  of,  and  then  a  long  silence  fol- 
lows; for  the  "  coming  singer  "  seldom,  or  never,  materializes, 
and  those  of  comparatively  ordinary  merit  must  still  hold  the 
positions  in  our  churches,  our  concert-rooms  and  our  theatres. 

A  rich,  beautiful  voice  is  a  most  glorious  thing,  a  divine 
gift,  but  were  a  voice  never  so  grand  the  possessor  of  it  who 

does  not  conceive  and  clearly  portray  the  text  of  his  song,  and 

419 


420  WHY  MANY  S1NGEES  FAIL. 

make  it  the  central  feature  is,  and  must  ever  be,  rated  an 
"  ordinary  singer." 

From  a  clear,  true  conception  of  the  text  evolves  the  right 
distribution  of  voice  power,  the  right  quality  of  tone,  refine- 
ment of  feeling,  and  everything  belonging  to  artistic  singing. 
Now  there  are  many  students  who  know  well  enough  a  voice 
alone,  however  beautiful,  will  not  make  a  great  singer,  but, 
with  this  knowledge,  they  usually  swing  to  the  other  extreme. 

They  indulge  in  extravagant  emotional  outbursts  and  ex- 
haust their  energies  in  vain  attempts  toward  instantaneous 
achievement. 

A  right  attitude  of  mind  is  as  necessary  to  artistic  sing- 
ing as  a  beautiful  voice;  there  are  many  who  even  give  it 
precedence. 

All  thoughts  of  self,  "  genius  "  and  "  fame  "  should  be 
avoided  by  the  young  student.  Unfortunately,  however,  his 
studies  properly  begin  after  that  unconscious  state  of  mind 
belonging  to  childhood  has  passed  away  and  before  the  devel- 
opment of  that  indifferent  state  which  is  the  result  of  experi- 
ence. As  a  result,  he  is  overconcerned  about  himself,  and  the 
outcome  of  his  work  and  self-consciousness  ruins  the  most  con- 
scientious effort.  Knowing  that  the  life  of  the  voice  is  short, 
he  forgets  that  "  He  who  would  build  surely  must  build  slow- 
ly." A  gentle,  reposeful,  meditative  state  of  mind,  which  pa- 
tiently examines  everything  submitted  to  it,  a  disposition  to 
compromise  with  circumstances  if  necessary,  and  a  cheerful 
courage  to  accept  failure,  is  a  better  conductor  to  artistic  ex- 
cellence than  ambitious  striving,  laborious  effort  and  lasting 
vows  to  become  "  great  or  nothing." 

MRS.  DELILAH  PATTY- WESEXER. 


Young. 


JStdutdl  Young. 


A  profound  student  himself  and  able  to  effect  wonderful 
results  in  the  way  of  voice  culture,  Bicknell  Young  is  that  rare 
exception,  a  professional  singer  who  really  enjoys  the  work 
of  teaching.  Mr.  Young  is  an  American,  and  believes  most 
thoroughly  in  American  teachers,  feeling  not  only  that  they 
are  the  most  conscientious  teachers,  but  that  they  have,  some- 
how, a  peculiar  aptitude  for  imparting  knowledge,  which  gives 
them  advantage  over  other  teachers.  Mr.  Young  received  his 
musical  education  in  London,  his  instructor  being  Visetti,  a 
widely  known  Italian  teacher.  His  tuition,  however,  em- 
braced French  and  German  songs  quite  as  much  as  Italian 
and  English,  an  experience  of  great  value  to  him  in  his  career" 
as  a  teacher.  In  all  of  these  languages  he  sings  with  perfect 
accent  and  a  most  delightful  clearness  of  pronunciation. 
Oratorios  and  their  interpretation  especially  attracted  Mr. 
Young,  and  to  this  line  of  study  he  has  devoted  much  time. 
For  several  years  before  his  return  to  America  he  sang  in  or- 
atorio concerts  as  well  as  in  miscellaneous  programs  in  London 
and  vicinity.  He  has,  for  some  years,  however,  become  so 
wholly  absorbed  in  the  work  of  teaching  that  he  has  practically 
abandoned  the  concert  platform,  for  which  he  was  so  admira- 
bly fitted.  He  has  made  a  special  study  of  the  human  voice 

from  viewpoints  not  usually  particularly  recognized  by  those 

423 


424  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

engaged  in  voice  culture,  and  has  thus  been  enabled  to  ascer- 
tain defects  in  a  voice,  and  remedy  them,  with  marked  success. 

He  has  so  widely  established  a  reputation  for  skill  in  this 
branch  of  his  work  that  he  is  often  consulted  not  only  by  sing- 
ers but  by  teachers  as  well. 

Mr.  Young's  ambition  for  his  pupils  is  very  high,  and  in 
this  he  has  found  an  able  coadjutor  in  his  gifted  wife.  Mrs. 
Young  was  born  in  Italy,  and  is  a  very  highly-educated  wo- 
man and  well  known  as  a  composer,  though  her  compositions 
are  rarely  published.  She  excels  as  a  teacher  of  harmony  and 
composition,  and  in  the  beautiful  studio  where  she  and  her 
husband  work  for  a  common  end  she  teaches  sight  reading 
and  harmony.  Here  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Young  give  recitals,  with 
programs  selected  from  their  extensive  repertoire.  Thus  their 
pupils  have  not  only  the  advantage  of  the  best  instruction,  but 
are  enabled  to  hear  what  they  are  studying  rendered  in  the 
most  artistic  way.  The  pupils  graduated  under  these  teach- 
ers are  most  completely  fitted  for  any  line  of  musical  work 
they  may  desire  to  undertake  as  singers  or  as  teachers,  and 
among  them  are  some  well  known  artists.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Young  are  becoming  more  and  more  recognized  factors  in  the 
musical  advancement  of  Chicago. 


.  Puttie  iHcJTaxiantr 


MRS.  ANNIE  McFAKLAND  SIIARPK. 


.  Puttie  JfltjFarlantr 


There  are  few  women  who  have  been  educated  along  so 
many  lines  as  has  Mrs.  Annie  McFaiiand  Sharpe,  of  Jack- 
sonville, 111. 

She  was  born,  October  10,  1867,  in  Lexington,  Ky.,  her 
father  being  Dr.  George  McFarland,  her  grandfather  Dr.  An- 
drew McFarland  and  her  mother  Mary  E.  (Bush)  McFar- 
land. At  the  age  of  twelve  she  went  with  her  parents  to  live 
with  her  grandfather,  at  Oak  Lawn,  Jacksonville,  111.  After 
a  four  years'  course  she  was  graduated  from  the  Jackson- 
ville Academy,  in  1887,  with  the  degree  of  B.  A.;  and  followed 
this  by  a  business  course  at  the  Kentucky  University,  where 
she  became  a  skilled  bookkeeper  and  stenographer.  Dr.  Mc- 
Farland felt  that  his  granddaughter  possessed  the  character- 
istics from  which  his  theory  of  the  fitness  of  women  for  the 
care  of  the  female  insane  could  be  tested,  and,  in  1888,  she 
entered  the  Woman's  Medical  College,  Northwestern  Univer- 
sity, Chicago,  from  which  she  was  graduated  with  honors 
March  30, 1891,  receiving  the  degree  of  M.  D.  Since  receiving 
this  degree,  Mrs.  Sharpe  has  become  Medical  Superintendent 
of  Oak  Lawn  Sanitarium.  She  is  a  member  of  the  Morgan 
County  Medical  Society  and  Illinois  State  Medical  Society, 
and  was  for  some  years  associate  editor  of  the  Woman's  Medi- 
cal Journal,  the  only  woman's  medical  journal  in  the  world. 

427 


428  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

In  1896,  she  was  married  to  Vincent  C.  Cromwell,  by  whom  she 
has  a  daughter  six  years  of  age.  Mr.  Cromwell  died  in  1899. 
In  1901,  she  was  married  to  J.  Thompson  Sharpe,  who  has  be- 
come the  efficient  business  manager  of  Oak  Lawn. 

Mrs.  Sharpe 's  success  in  her  responsible  position  has 
been  such  as  to  furnish  the  most  emphatic  endorsement  possi- 
ble of  her  grandfather's  theories,  and  has  surpassed  his  ex- 
pectations. It  is  a  position  requiring  rare  tact,  quick  de- 
cision and  a  vast  deal  of  determination,  since  the  constant  ap- 
peal to  the  sympathies  has  the  tendency  to  unsettle  judgment, 
however  positive.  While  she  is  really  devoting  her  life  to  this 
great  work,  the  magnitude  and  difficulies  of  which  it  is  impos- 
sible for  an  outsider  to  grasp,  Mrs.  Sharpe  has  found  time  to 
educate  herself  along  other  lines  and  enlist  in  other  enter- 
prises. Fond  of  music,  she  studied  the  piano  with  Mrs.  Kate 
Murdock-Smith,  and  voice  culture  with  Mrs.  Burdon  Tiffany 
at  the  Illinois  'Conservatory  of  Music.  She  is  a  member  of  the 
Wednesday  Musical  Club,  of  Janesville,  of  the  Janesville  Wo- 
man's  Club  and  the  Janesville  Country  Club,  and  is  President 
of  the  Woman's  Guild  of  Trinity  Episcopal  Church.  Mrs. 
Sharpe  is  a  member  of  the  Society  of  Daughters  of  the  Amer- 
ican Revolution,  and  is  also  a  Colonial  Dame.  Nothing  in 
the  line  of  humanitarian  work,  in  the  literary  world,  or  in  the 
realms  of  music  and  art,  fails  to  enlist  Mrs.  Sharpe 's  interest 
and  patronage.  Her  life,  devoted  to  the  care  of  those  most 
sadly  afflicted,  is  a  daily  example  of  life's  possibilites  most 
helpful  to  those  about  her. 


Hinne. 


Ot^z^j^-z^^ 


Kacjna   Hinne, 


Mme.  Ragna  Linne,  who,  on  her  father's  side,  is  a  de- 
scendant of  Carl  von  Linne  (Charles  Linuseus),  the  eminent 
scientist,  was  born  in  Christiania,  Norway. 

Besides  a  voice  which  attracted  the  attention  of  musical 
connoisseurs,  she  possessed,  even  in  her  earliest  childhood,  a 
tenacity  of  purpose  and  a  devotion  to  whatever  she  under- 
took to  do  that,  during  her  musical  career,  have  been  im- 
portant factors  in  her  success  as  one  of  the  most  captivating 
singers  of  the  day. 

Mme.  Linne  loves  her  art,  and  she  has  loved  it  with  the 
devotion  and  the  passion  which  outwit  all  difficulties  and  sur- 
mount all  obstacles  to  reach  the  pinnacle  of  true  greatness. 
She  began  her  musical  career  by  appearing  as  soloist,  when 
twelve  years  old,  in  the  Catholic  Cathedral  of  her  native  city. 
When  sixteen  years  of  age  she  had  an  offer  to  sing  in 
"  Faust  "  the  part  of  Margareta  in  Swedish  opera. 

She  soon  became  restless,  and  sighed  for  greater  oppor- 
tunities to  improve  herself  in  her  beloved  art,  longed  for 
scenes  beyond  the  snowy  mountain  tips  of  her  native  land. 

Her  ambitions  were  gratified;  she  went  to  Paris  and 
became  a  favorite  pupil  of  the  famoiis  Mme.  Marchesi.  This 
master  teacher  of  Apollonic  art  predicted  a  great  future  for 

her  gifted  pupil  from  the  "  land  of  the  midnight  sxin,"  and 

431 


432  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

her  prophecy  found  fulfilment.  In  all  the  numerous  operas 
and  concerts  in  which  Mme.  Linne  has  appeared  in  the  princi- 
pal cities  of  Europe  and  America,  she  has  at  once  become  a 
favorite  with  all  lovers  of  true  music.  Her  last  concert  tour 
to  the  Pacific  coast  was  a  series  of  ovations  from  her  many 
friends  and  admirers. 

Among  the  many  organizations  with  which  she  has  sung 
a  few  may  be  mentioned :  The  Metropolitan  Grand  Opera  Co. ; 
Chicago  Orchestra,  (Theodore  Thomas)  ;  Chicago  Symphony 
Orchestra,  ( Adolph  Eosenbecker)  ;  Schubert  Club,  St.  Paul ; 
Ladies'  Thursday  Musicale,  Minneapolis;  Beethoven  Club, 
Memphis;  Apollo  Club,  Kansas  City;  United  Scandinavian 
Singers'  Festival,  Omaha;  United  Swedish  Singers,  Kock- 
f ord,  111. ;  A.  Capella  Club,  Milwaukee ;  Castle  Square  Opera 
Company.  Besides  singing  with  these  and  other  organiza- 
tions, she  has  sung  in  numerous  miscellaneous  concerts  all 
over  the  country. 

Nature  has  been  lavish  in  the  gifts  she  has  bestowed  upon 
Mme.  Linne,  for,  in  addition  to  her  wonderful  voice,  she  pos- 
sesses beauty  of  a  high  order,  an  effective  stage  presence  and 
most  charming  personality.  She  has  that  sympathy  and 
pathos  of  voice  which  are  nature's  own  gift,  which  cannot  be 
acquired  and  which  win  the  hearts  of  an  audience.  Her  fault- 
less technique  shows  the  faithful,  untiring  artist,  and  into  all 
her  singing  she  carries  a  daintiness  of  finish  and  inspiration 
which  are  entirely  her  own. 

Thus  endowed,  and  having  added  to  natural  gifts  the  re- 
sult of  earnest  study  with  eminent  artists,  it  is  not  too  much  to 
say  that  Mme.  Ragna  Linne  stands  in  the  very  foremost  ranks 
of  her  profession. 


.  &oot. 


JTvetrertck  ».  Moot 


Frederick  W.  Root  is  descended  from  a  musical  ancestry. 
His  grandfather,  Captain  Frederick  Ferdinand  Root,  was  a 
singer,  and  his  grandmother,  Sarah  Flint,  was  a  solo  singer 
who  could  accompany  herself  on  the  instruments  of  the  day. 
Her  oldest  child  was  George  W.,  the  father  of  Frederick  W. 
In  his  family  were  eight  children,  all  of  whom  were  musical, 
being  singers  and  teachers  of  piano  and  voice. 

Frederick  W.  began  the  study  of  music  with  his  father 
when  six  years  of  age,  and  for  the  next  ten  years  studied 
with  different  relatives,  who  were  music  teachers.  He  lived 
always  in  an  atmosphere  of  music.  He  was,  later,  put  under 
the  instruction  of  B.  C.  Blodgett,  then  just  graduated  from 
Leipsic  Conservatory,  now  in  charge  of  the  Musical  Depart- 
ment of  Smith  College.  From  him  the  boy  acquired  early 
familiarity  with  Bach's  fugues  and  Beethoven's  sonatas.  At 
the  age  of  sixteen  he  became  a  pupil  of  Dr.  William  Mason, 
in  New  York.  While  in  that  city  he  received  organ  lessons 
from  J.  Flint,  organist  of  Madison  Square  Church. 

The  winter  of  1864-65  he  lived  in  St.  Paul,  Minn.  There 
he  spent  hours  every  day  in  piano  practice,  endeavoring  to  les- 
sen the  gap  between  his  quick  conception  and  his  slow  execu- 
tion of  music.  Coming  to  Chicago,  he  took  a  position  in  the 

store  of  Root  &  Cady. 

435 


436  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

At  this  time  William  Lewis,  then  the  popular  violinist  of 
Chicago,  used  frequently  to  take  Mr.  Root  with  him  as  a  solo 
pianist.  In  1869,  he  went  to  Europe  for  a  year  and  a  half 
of  study  and  travel,  doing  some  piano  work  in  Berlin,  and 
taking  voice  lessons,  in  Florence,  of  the  celebrated  Vannuccini. 
He  never  lived  long  in  one  place,  so  he  never  had  opportunity 
to  complete  any  regular  course  of  study.  He  made  up  for 
this  lack,  however,  by  persistent  reading  of  the  best  essayists 
and  philosophers.  He  has  been  prominently  connected  with 
the  Music  Teachers'  National  Association,  declining  the  nomi- 
nation for  President  in  1892,  as  he  was  again  going  abroad. 

In  1873,  he  published  works  for  use  in  vocal  and  instru- 
mental instruction,  and  later  made  occasional  additions  to 
them.  It  was  not,  however,  until  1896  that  he  produced  a 
work  which  proved  widely  influential.  This  was  a  volume  en- 
titled "  The  Polychrome  Lessons  "  in  voice  culture,  followed 
since  by  "  Analytical  Studies  Op.  20,"  and  a  series  of  works 
issued  under  the  general  title  of  "  Technic  and  Art  of  Sing- 
ing." Among  prominent  singers  who  have  been  Mr.  Root's 
pupils  are  Hope  Glenn,  Jessie  Bartlett  Davis,  W.  H.  Clark, 
McKenzie  Gordon,  Chas.  W.  Clark,  and  many  others. 

Mr.  Root  has  also  taught  some  of  the  best  gospel  singers, 
among  them  Messrs.  McGranahan,  Case,  Excell,  Towner  and 
Billhorn. 

Mr.  Root  has  been  identified  with  summer  classes  and  nor- 
mal institutes,  most  successfully. 

He  has  also  achieved  enviable  reputation  as  adjudicator 
of  musical  contests  both  in  and  out  of  Chicago. 

This  is  but  a  glimpse  into  the  successful  life  of  one  of  the 
best  known  and  most  beloved  musicians  of  Chicago. 


,  HiUtan  JFrettcfj 


MRS.  LILLIAN  FRENCH  HEAD. 


.  Htlitan  JFwtcf)  Heatr. 


Mrs.  Lillian  French  Read  was  born  in  Wakeman,  Ohio, 
October  6,  1875.  At  the  age  of  seventeen  she  was  sent  to 
Oberlin,  Ohio,  where  she  remained  for  three  years  studying 
singing  and  piano  in  the  Conservatory  and  languages  in  the 
College.  During  her  last  year  there  she  held  the  position  of 
soprano  soloist  in  the  First  Congregational  Church  choir,  with 
a  chorus  of  one  hundred  and  twenty  students.  After  leaving 
school  she  came  to  Illinois,  and  at  the  age  of  twenty  was  given 
charge  of  the  vocal  department  of  the  college  at  Lincoln,  111. 
She  remained  there  for  one  year,  and  the  following  year  held 
a  similar  position  at  Onarga,  111.  While  teaching  there  she 
secured  the  position  at  the  Englewood  Baptist  Church,  which 
she  filled  to  the  delight  of  her  audiences  till  she  resigned,  Jan- 
uary 1,  1903,  and  accepted  the  position  as  soprano  soloist  in 
the  double  quartette  of  Sinai  Temple  (Dr.  Hirsh's  church). 
This  position  is  indicative  of  the  success  she  has  achieved,  for 
Chicago  offers  nothing  finer  in  this  line  of  musical  work. 

Since  coming  to  Chicago  she  has  been  teaching  and  study- 
ing most  of  the  time.  She  obtained  leave  of  absence  from  her 
church  engagement  and  spent  one  summer  abroad.  She  de- 
voted the  time  to  hard  work  with  Henschel,  in  London.  Since 
then  she  has  filled  many  good  engagements  through  all  this 

part  of  the  country,  both  in  song  recitals  and  oratorio  work. 

439 


440  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

She  made  her  first  appearance  with  the  Chicago  Apollo  Club 
five  years  ago,  and  won,  at  that  time,  many  laurels  for  the  ex- 
cellence of  her  work.  Her  charming  personality  wins  for 
her  friends  wherever  she  goes,  and  since  her  appearance  with 
the  Apollo  Club  she  has  sung  with  many  good  oratorio  clubs, 
all  the  way  from  Ohio  to  South  Dakota,  and  from  Michigan 
to  Missouri. 

In  this  way  she  has  become  widely  known,  and  has  more 
opportunities  than  she  can  improve  to  do  work  with  the  best 
musical  societies.  She  has  done  some  work  at  various  Chau- 
tauqua  assemblies,  and  went  this  year  for  the  second  time 
to  Bay  View,  Mich.,  for  two  weeks'  work. 

Her  wonderfully  strong,  yet  sweet  and  sympathetic,  voice, 
her  quick  interpretation  of  a  theme  and  her  enthusiasm,  make 
her  invaluable  in  the  work  of  assembly,  convention  and  club. 
She  is  particularly  adapted  for  oratorio  work,  and  we  predict 
for  her  a  bright  future  along  this  line  of  musical  achievement, 
a  line  she  enjoys.  In  June,  1900,  she  married  John  Threlkeld 
Read,  also  a  professional  singer.  They  have  a  new  home  on 
"West  Sixty-second  street,  where  they  have  a  large  music  room. 
In  this  room  their  pupils  give  recitals,  and  here  also  they  en- 
tertain their  many  friends  in  most  delightful,  hospitable 
fashion. 


iSertrulre  ffi.  M 


UKUTltUDE  M.  RADLE. 


(Sertrutre  ffi.  Matrle. 


With  a  sensitive  nature,  keen  intuition  and  graceful  ease 
of  manner,  inherited  from  her  mother,  and  marked  musical 
ability,  inherited  from  her  father,  Gertrude  M.  Radle,  from 
the  earliest  childhood,  had  the  highest  musical  aims  and  a 
definite  ambition  to  make  a  reputation  as  a  teacher  of  music. 
Until  eleven  years  of  age,  her  only  piano  was  the  windowsill, 
and  as  the  childish  fingers  thrummed  the  song  that  filled  the 
childish  heart,  dreams  of  possibilites  to  be  fulfilled  flitted 
through  the  busy  little  brain.  So,  beginning  life's  work  with 
serious  thought  and  earnest  longing,  the  work  of  life  has  been 
prosecuted  with  a  sweet  seriousness  which  has  wrought  suc- 
cess. When  thirteen  years  old  she  became  a  pupil  of  Edward 
E.  Holt,  who  had  studied  with  Albert  Ross  Parsons.  Im- 
pressed with  the  remarkable  ability  of  his  young  pupil,  he 
urged  her  to  go  to  New  York  and  see  Parsons.  He  said  of 
her—"  Even  now  she  is  far  in  advance  of  me  in  many  points, 
farther  than  I  myself  can  ever  hope  to  get."  Through  his 
unselfish,  enthusiastic  effort  he  arranged  for  her  going,  and 
engaged  an  hour  for  her  to  play  before  the  great  teacher. 
After  submitting  her  to  a  severe  test,  Dr.  Parsons  expressed 
his  suprise  at  her  achievements  at  her  age,  fifteen  years,  and 
for  the  next  three  years  she  was  his  pupil.  At  that  time  she 

went  to  Warren,  Pa.,  and  soon  gathered  a  large  class,  but  re- 

443 


444  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

turned  to  New  York,  and  studied  a  year  with  Dr.  Parsons,  a 
year  with  Dudley  Buck,  two  years  with  Harry  Rowe  Shelley. 
While  still  a  student  in  New  York,  her  parents  moved  to  Chi- 
cago, believing  it  would  afford  to  their  daughter  better  oppor- 
tunities to  teach.  She  opened  her  studio  in  Englewood  with 
one  pupil,  but  rapidly  became  favorably  known,  and  in  her 
more  recent  studio,  in  the  Fine  Arts  Building,  has  had  many 
pupils  whose  success  is  her  proudest  laurel.  Gertrude  Radle 
was  born  Sept.  23,  1871,  at  Kane  City,  Pa.,  the  only  child  of 
John  Nelson  Radle  and  Julia  Guy  Radle.  Her  method  of 
teaching  is  in  harmony  with  the  laws  of  life,  and  evolves  most 
wonderful  results  in  developing  not  only  the  musical  nature 
but  the  entire  personality.  Instead  of  urging  a  pupil  on  with 
the  idea  that  musical  excellence  can  only  be  attained  by 
stretching  every  nerve  to  its  utmost  tension,  the  student  is  en- 
couraged to  relax  every  nerve  and  let  the  real  self  dominate 
mind  and  body.  With  less  of  self -consciousness  comes  a  de- 
light in  effort  which  before  seemed  unattainable.  Miss  Radle 
says—"  For  a  sensitive  child  to  practice  with  the  thought 
ever  present  that  a  critical  teacher  is  to  be  met  is  self -destruc- 
tive, for  fear  of  displeasure  makes  success  impossible. ' ' 

Miss  Radle  has  a  charming  personality  and  a  sympathetic 
presence  which  win  the  confidence  of  her  pupils  and  inspire 
each  one  to  the  best  effort. 


c  &pimng. 


Surrounded  with  the  atmosphere  of  music  and  culture, 
Theodore  Spiering  (well  known  throughout  the  country  as 
leader  of  the  celebrated  Spiering  Quartet)  spent  his  child- 
hood and  youth.  He  was  born  in  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  September 
5, 1871,  of  a  distinctly  musical  and  literary  family,  who  came 
to  America  in  the  middle  of  the  nineteenth  century. 

Chas.  L.  Bernays,  his  grandfather,  living  in  the  same 
house,  was  one  of  the  first  American  proclaimers  of  Schafen- 
hauer  and  Richard  Wagner,  and  was  widely  known  as  a  writer 
and  musical  critic  for  the  St.  Louis  and  foreign  German 
press.  His  father  was  the  well-schooled  violinist,  Ernest 
Spiering,  leader  of  the  Philharmonic  Quintet  Club,  of  St. 
Louis,  which  for  several  seasons  had  a  prosperous  existence. 
After  careful  instruction  from  his  father,  Theodore  Spiering 
made  his  first  public  appearance  in  connection  with  the  work 
of  this  organization  in  the  early  eighties. 

In  his  home  he  met  not  only  the  musicians  of  St.  Louis 
but  the  visiting  celebrities  of  the  musical  world. 

In  1886,  his  father  took  him  to  Cincinnati  and  placed  him 
under  the  instruction  of  the  eminent  violinist  and  teacher, 
Henry  Schrodieck.  The  father  died  in  1887,  but  the  son  re- 
mained under  the  instruction  of  Schrodieck  another  year,  and 

then  went  to  Berlin.    Here  he  entered  the  Hoch  Schule,  where 

447 


448  BIOGBAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

he  remained  four  years  as  a  pupil  of  Andreas  Moser  and  Dr. 
Joseph  Joachim,  training  as  a  violin  virtuoso,  but  practicing 
diligently  ensemble  playing.  During  the  last  years  at  school, 
he  was  concertmeister  of  the  school  orchestra.  He  also  had 
the  honor  of  assisting  Barth,  Hausinover  and  others,  while 
such  musicians  as  Brahms,  Max  Busch  and  George  Vierling 
von  Herzogenberg  gave  the  young  artist  many  proofs  of  their 
friendliness.  In  1892,  Spiering  returned  to  Chicago,  bring- 
ing a  highly  eulogistic  letter  from  Joachim  to  Theodore 
Thomas.  For  four  years  he  was  one  of  the  leading  violinists 
in  the  Chicago  Orchestra,  appearing  with  great  success,  Feb- 
ruary, 1893,  as  soloist  in  the  most  difficult  Schumann  Phan- 
tasia. 

In  the  summer  of  1893,  the  Spiering  Quartet  was  organ- 
ized, and  has  given  over  four  hundred  concerts  throughout  the 
United  States,  often  playing  where  chamber  music  was  en- 
tirely unknown.  It  has  reached  a  perfection  of  ensemble  of 
finish  and  true  musical  interpretation  which  are  the  marvel 
of  public  and  critic  alike. 

Theodore  Spiering  has  devoted  some  attention  to  com- 
position. He  has  written  a  group  of  piano  pieces,  some  songs, 
and  three  concert  studies  for  the  violin,  all  of  which  are  still 
in  manuscript.  The  songs  have  obtained  public  hearing  and 
recognition.  As  an  orchestral  conductor,  he  has  won  many 
laurels,  and  has  shown  that  he  is  greatly  gifted  in  that  branch 
of  his  profession. 

There  is  no  question  but  that  he  is  now  one  of  the  most 
promising  of  the  younger  generation  of  conductors  in  the 
world. 


Sybil  Sammis  was  born  in  Foreston,  111.,  and  when  little 
more  than  a  baby  evinced  a  marvelous  ear  for  music,  humming 
any  tune  she  heard.  She  is  a  descendant  of  John  Quincy 
Adams,  and  inherits  marked  musical  and  literary  ability. 
When  four  years  old,  her  parents  moved  to  Deadwood,  South 
Dakota,  later  to  Pierre. 

After  coming  to  Chicago,  Miss  Sammis  first  studied  un- 
der Mad.  Ragna  Linne,  who,  recognizing  her  unusual  ability 
and  ambition,  became  interested  in  her.  After  a  few  lessons, 
she  secured  for  her  a  position  in  the  Sinai  Temple  choir. 
Later  she  became  the  leading  soprano  of  the  Grand  Boulevard 
Presbyterian  Church  choir,  and  afterwards  soloist  in  the 
Fifth  Presbyterian  Church.  Giving  up  her  church  work,  she 
became  the  soloist  with  the  Chicago  Marine  Band,  a  posi- 
tion successful  artistically  and  financially,  and  renewed  for 
several  seasons.  Before  she  had  entered  her  'teens,  Miss 
Sammis  cherished  the  highest  ambitions.  For  their  achieve- 
ment she  hoarded  her  resources  and  went  abroad,  where  she 
studied  in  Paris  with  Mme.  Lurig,  who  rendered  her  valuable 
assistance. 

Returning  to  New  York,  Miss  Sammis  accepted  engage- 
ments in  concert  and  oratorio  work,  and  at  the  Maine  festival 
appeared  with  Schumann-Heink  and  Campanari  in  concerts, 

and  sang  "  Elijah  "  with  Ffrangeon-Davies.    At  the  Ver,- 

451 


452  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

mont  festivals  she  sang  "  Elijah  "  with  Gwlynn  Miles.  She 
possesses  a  wonderful  dramatic  soprano  voice,  of  three  full 
octaves,  ranging  from  E  below  middle  C  to  E  above  high  C. 
She  has  the  low  tones  of  a  contralto,  the  full  medium  of  a 
mezzo,  and  the  pure,  clear,  upper  tones  of  a  lyric  soprano. 
Born  with  a  genius  for  interpretation,  the  themes  of  difficult 
arias  are  easily  mastered  by  her.  Following  her  Festival 
work,  she  appeared  with  the  "  Three  great  star  combination," 
the  -trio  being  Evan  Williams,  Gwylm  Miles  and  Miss  Sam- 
mis. 

This  summer  (1903)  Miss  Sammis  sang  with  the  Metro- 
politan Opera  House  Orchestra,  at  Madison  Square  Garden, 
New  York.  During  the  season  she  gave  a  phenomenal  exam- 
ple of  her  ability  and  the  repertoire  at  her  command.  It  was 
Wagner  night,  and  the  soloist  of  the  week  who,  until  six 
o'clock,  expected  to  sing,  found  herself  unable  to  do  so. 
Speaking  of  it  the  New  York  Herald  wrote:  "  The  bandmas- 
ter was  at  his  wits'  end  till  about  seven  o'clock,  when  he 
learned  that  Miss  Sammis  was  in  New  York.  He  found  her, 
and,  without  rehearsal,  she  took  Miss  Gumming 's  place,  and 
sang  with  marked  success  the  selections  already  chosen. "  The 
first  was  "  Dich  Theure  Halle,"  from  Tannhauser.  She  was 
called  back  twice,  and  sang  "After  the  Ball,"  by  Gillet.  For 
the  second  number  she  sang  Wagner's  "  Traiime,"  and  re- 
ceived much  applause,  her  encore  being  "  My  Old  Kentucky 
Home."  This  wonderful  success  has  greatly  encouraged  her, 
has  stimulated  ambition  and  quickened  hope. 

Miss  Sammis  has  a  bright,  sunny  disposition,  a  very 
sweet  and  winning  f  ^CP  ;  her  enunciation  is  distinct,  and  of  her 
audiences  she  makes  friends. 


Jgenrg 


(paries 


The  legal  profession  has  made  great  strides  in  America 
during  the  last  decade.  Many  things  have  combined  to  bring 
about  this  result.  Meetings  of  national  bar  associations,  at 
which  some  of  the  most  distinguished  lawyers  of  this  country 
and  England  have  spoken  on  questions  of  international  inter- 
est, and  engaged  in  discussions  on  matters  of  grave  import, 
have  quickened  thought  and  stimulated  a  generous  rivalry 
among  the  eminent  legal  lights  of  the  country. 

Comparatively  few  realize  the  opportunities  for  advance- 
ment offered  by  the  legal  profession,  from  the  time  of  grad- 
uation from  the  Law  School  till  possibly  a  seat  is  gained  on 
the  Supreme  Bench  of  the  United  States.  Chicago  is  not  sec- 
ond to  any  city  in  the  Union  in  the  ability,  sound  judgment 
and  brilliant  successes  of  the  representatives  of  the  various 
courts  of  the  city.  Some  of  the  most  important  cases  known 
in  this  country  have  had  their  trial  here. 

Among  the  representative  men  of  Chicago,  in  this  profes- 
sion, no  one  has  achieved  a  more  enviable  reputation  than 
Charles  Henry  Aldrich.  Mr.  Aldrich  was  born,  August  26, 
1850,  and  was  educated  first  in  the  public  schools  of  his  native 
city,  and  later  in  the  Northeastern  Indiana  Academy.  In 
1871,  he  was  graduated  from  the  High  School  at  Ann  Arbor, 

Mich.,  and  in  1875  from  the  classical  course  of  the  Michigan 

455 


456  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

University  with  the  degree  of  Bachelor  of  Arts.  For  distin- 
guished services  the  University'  conferred  upon  him  the  de- 
gree of  Master  of  Arts  in  1893.  He  practiced  law  at  Fort 
Wayne,  Indiana,  until  1886,  when  he  moved  to  Chicago.  He 
was  appointed  Solicitor  General  of  the  United  States  in  1891, 
in  which  capacity  he  served  until  1893. 

He  has  been  prominently  identified  with  much  important 
litigation  in  the  various  courts,  particularly  the  Federal 
Courts.  Among  some  of  the  most  important  cases  may  be 
mentioned  the  one  involving  the  constitutionality  of  the  Chi- 
nese Exclusion  Act  (Geary  Act),  and  the  "  Fourteen  Diamond 
Ring  "  case,  involving  constitutional  questions  growing  out  of 
the  late  Spanish  War. 

Mr.  Aldrich,  while  a  close  student  along  his  own  line  of 
work,  has  read  extensively  in  other  directions,  and  is  a  man 
of  decided  literary  tastes.  He  has  a  large  library,  in  which 
he  takes  much  pride,  and  is  very  fond  of  fine  engravings.  In 
this  way  he  has  been,  and  is,  a  patron  of  the  best  in  the  world 
of  literature  and  art,  and  in  his  home  there  is  the  atmosphere 
of  culture.  He  was  married,  Oct.  13, 1875,  and  has  three  chil- 
dren, one  son  and  two  daughters.  Mr.  Aldrich  is  of  a  retir- 
ing nature,  and  has  devoted  his  life  almost  exclusively  to  pro- 
fessional achievement.  That  he  has  won  the  success  at  which 
he  aimed,  those  who  know  him  best  will  most  readily  attest. 
He  cares  little  for  social  functions,  and  is  rarely  seen  ex- 
cept in  the  courts,  at  his  office  or  in  his  home. 


&ignor  }|asqua!e  Capone. 


$)asqualc 


The  word  Italy  ssems  to  surround  us  at  once  with  an  at- 
mosphere of  music  and  of  art.  We  think  of  the  long  line  of 
illustrious  Italian  composers  who  have  given  us  some  of  the 
most  beautiful  music  the  world  has  ever  known,  and  of  the 
artists  whose  pictures  and  statues  are  immortal.  And  so  a 
name  which  reminds  us  of  that  land  of  beauty  seems  to  bring 
us  in  touch  with  an  artist  life.  Signor  Pasquale  Capone  was 
born  in  Salerno,  Italy,  and  from  childhood  evinced  a  love  for 
music.  At  an  early  age  he  began  the  study  of  the  violin,  har- 
mony and  countersign  with  well-known  masters  of  that  city. 
He  soon  proved  that  he  had  exceptional  talent  and  indefatiga- 
ble perseverance.  After  studying  for  some  years  in  his  na- 
tive city,  he  made  such  remarkable  progress  that  his  parents 
were  advised  to  send  him  to  Milan  to  continue  his  study  in 
that  rarely  musical  atmosphere,  and  avail  himself  of  the  many 
unexcelled  advantages  offered  there.  He  entered  the  Regio 
Conservatory,  of  Milan,  and  at  once  received  special  attention 
on  account  of  his  exceptional  talent. 

After  the  most  thorough  course  possible,  he  was  at  length 
graduated  from  that  institution  with  the  highest  honors,  be- 
ing presented  with  a  gold  medal,  the  first  award  for  musical 
progress  and  exceptional  ability.  "While  in  Milan,  Signor  Ca- 
pone became  well  known  in  the  musical  world,  and  filled 

459 


460  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

numerous  concert  engagements  and  gave  many  recitals  with 
marked  success.  He  was  also  patronized  by  the  most  dis- 
tinguished families  of  that  cultured  center.  One  result  of 
his  life  in  Milan  was  to  create  the  highest  ideals  in  the  mind 
of  this  young  artist,  and  he  has  never  been  satisfied  with  any- 
thing less  than  the  best  in  the  music-world.  He  has  gained  a 
very  excellent  reputation  as  a  soloist,  his  playing  being 
marked  by  smoothness  and  ease  of  execution,  yet  great  dis- 
tinctness and  purity  of  tone,  and  his  interpretation  of  the 
most  difficult  themes  being  intelligent  and  delightful.  He  was 
engaged  to  play  at  the  famous  theatre  "  La  Scala  "  as  first 
violin,  under  the  conductor  Com.  Bassi,  and  subsequently  was 
secured  as  concertmaster  at  the  opening  of  the  theatre  "  Cac- 
cia,"  of  Piemonte,  where  Verdi's  "  Otello  "  was  given  under 
the  direction  of  Tascanini. 

On  coming  to  America,  Signor  Capone  received  imme- 
diate recognition  among  musicians,  and  has  appeared  as  violin 
soloist  and  conductor  in  this  country  as  well  as  in  Italy. 

He  has  been  engaged  for  five  years  as  the  head  of  the 
violin  department  of  the  Chicago  Conservatory,  and  has  un- 
der his  direction  the  symphony  orchestra  and  chamber  music 
of  the  conservatory.  Among  his  pupils  are  some  who  are 
making  themselves  well  known  in  the  best  musical  world. 


s.  Ifafjn  garrison  JFrands. 


0 


Jiflrs.  Sofiit  garrison  JFrancfo. 


The  history  of  music,  not  only  in  Illinois  but  in  America, 
reveals  the  fact  that,  as  a  country,  we  have  as  yet  produced  no 
really  great  music. 

Possibly  the  many  reasons  for  this  suggest  themselves 
readily  to  the  observer  of  American  life.  We  are  still  a  young 
nation,  and  the  best  music  is  the  outgrowth  of  years  of  na- 
tional history.  We  are  a  busy  nation,  living  a  strenuous  life, 
and  have  not  cultivated  the  arts  as  have  the  European  coun- 
tries. Yet  that  America  will  gain  recognition  in  the  fore- 
most ranks  of  the  musical  compositions  of  the  world  one  can- 
not doubt. 

There  are  everywhere  musical  men  and  women,  ambi- 
tious, conscientious  in  endeavor,  and  a  musical  atmosphere  is 
being  created  from  which,  in  time,  will  be  evolved  great  com- 
posers and  great  artists,  worthy  of  place  with  the  most  hon- 
ored masters  of  other  countries. 

Among  those  who  are  thus  a  musical  inspiration  may  be 
named  Mrs.  John  Harrison  Francis,  who  has  long  been  one  of 
the  most  progressive,  intelligent  and  enthusiastic  of  Peoria's 
musical  patrons.  While  her  own  gifts  in  that  direction— 
which  were  of  no  mean  order— have  never  been  given  especial 
cultivation,  she  possesses  a  fine  natural  taste  which  a  long  resi- 
dence in  Paris  and  Dresden  (during  which  she  directed  the 

463 


464  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

studies  of  her  daughter,  Miss  Maude  Francis)  has  generously 
ripened.  Since  her  return  from  Europe,  some  years  ago, 
Mrs.  Francis '  handsome  home  has  been  the  center  of  much  of 
the  musical  life  of  Peoria.  No  worthy  enterprise  has  been  de- 
nied her  substantial  assistance  and  support.  No  youthful  as- 
pirant for  the  meager  and  uncertain  rewards  of  a  musical  ca- 
reer has  failed  to  receive  from  her  the  encouragement,  sym- 
pathy and  advice  her  wide  experience  so  amply  fitted  her  to 
give. 

No  one  with  real  ability  and  talent  has  come  to  her  with- 
out obtaining  not  only  recognition,  but  introduction  to  the  best 
musical  people,  hints  as  to  the  best  musical  methods  and  help- 
ful suggestion,  which  have  been  an  inspiration  to  many  now 
achieving  excellent  reputation  for  themselves. 

Such  a  woman,  who  uses  her  exceptional  opportunities 
rather  for  others  than  herself,  aids  far  more  in  the  develop- 
ment of  a  true  musical  taste  in  the  community  than  does  the 
professional  artist,  whose  ambitions  and  interests  are  neces- 
sarily self-centered.  There  is  an  absolute  freedom  from  the 
jealousy  which  is  too  often  apparent  where  there  is  the  least 
possible  opportunity  for  rivalry,  and  to  such  generous  large- 
heartedness  the  most  timid  feel  a  certain  assurance  in  ap- 
proach. The  community  blest  with  such  a  spirit  should  count 
itself  most  fortunate,  for  it  is  the  greatest  incentive  to  public- 
spirited  musical  effort. 

The  influence  of  Mrs.  Francis  on  the  musical  history  of 
Peoria  can  scarcely  be  estimated,  but  it  has  been  such  that  no 
record  of  the  progress  made  in  that  art  in  the  last  few  years 
would  be  complete  without  the  mention  of  her  name. 


Jmjjlc  Jprancis. 


MISS  MAUDE  INGLE  FRANCIS. 


fftmtft  Uncjle  JFraucis. 


Early  in  the  nineties,  a  young  girl  sang  for  the  first  time 
>efore  a  select  gathering  of  Peoria's  musicians.  She  was 
rery  young — her  age,  indeed,  scarcely  reaching  sixteen  years 
-yet  there  was  about  her  performance  a  strange  lack  of  crude- 
less  common  to  "  first  efforts."  She  sang  as  the  birds  sing, 
mturally  and  easily,  with  all  of  the  birds'  roundness,  fresh- 
icss  and  sweetness  of  tone.  The  musicians  listening  were 
jreatly  surprised.  Eeally  expecting  nothing  at  all,  they  had 
isked  the  young  girl  to  sing  with  the  good-natured  tolerance 
>ften  felt  by  musicians  towards  young  people  who  are  cherish- 
ng  musical  ambitions.  In  the  few  moments  of  her  song,  the 
•elative  positions  of  the  company  had  undergone  a  curious 
:hange. 

A  new  star  had  risen  in  that  little  circle,  a  star  that  prom- 
sed  to  eclipse  them  all,  and  the  congratulations  that  followed 
vere  not  of  the  perfunctory  sort  which  commonly  reward  be- 
ginners. 

A  few  months  later  the  young  singer,  Maude  Ingle  Fran- 
jis,  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  H.  Francis,  went  to 
Europe.  Three  years  of  study  followed— study  under  the 
jest  masters  in  the  world.  Lamperti,  Marches!  (names  for- 
ever interwoven  with  the  history  of  the  greatest  triumphs  in 

:he  realm  of  song)  were  her  teachers,  and  they  found  in  her 

467 


468  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

an  apt  and  gifted  pupil.  Then  came  her  return  to  this  coun- 
try, and  two  years'  study  under  the  late  Charles  Adams,  of 
Boston,  followed  by  a  year's  coaching  with  Victor  Harris,  in 
New  York. 

When  next  Miss  Francis  appeared  before  an  audience  in 
Peoria,  it  was  as  a  finished  artist  in  a  higher  sense  than  the 
usual  hackneyed  acceptation  of  the  term.  Musicians  and  the 
general  public  alike  surrendered  themselves  delightedly  to  the 
charm  of  her  singing. 

It  was  this  young  singer's  fortune  to  be  placed  beyond 
the  necessity  of  earning  a  livelihood  by  her  voice.  Her  in- 
herent love  of  singing  was  never  made  secondary  to  hopes  of  a 
"  career."  The  exquisite  quality  of  her  tones  was  never  sacri- 
ficed to  the  ordinary  greed  for  quantity.  Their  pure  round- 
ness never  was  lost  and  drowned  in  the  volume  of  sound 
requisite  to  the  filling  of  a  vast  auditorium.  Her  voice  has 
always  retained,  therefore,  to  a  remarkable  degree,  its  first 
girlish  freshness  and  charm. 

In  addition  to  her  wonderful  voice,  she  was  endowed  with 
a  handsome  face,  beautiful  figure  and  rare  grace  of  manner 
and  bearing. 

As  a  singer  of  French  chansons,  Miss  Francis  has  had 
scarcely  an  equal  in  this  country.  Her  success  in  this  field  at 
private  musicales,  both  in  New  York  and  Chicago,  was  instan- 
taneous and  complete. 

In  1902,  however,  Miss  Francis  was  married  to  Mr. 
Thomas  Colston  Kinney,  of  New  York,  an  event  which  ab- 
ruptly terminated  her  semi-public  career.  Since  her  mar- 
riage Mrs.  Kinney  has  lived  abroad,  where  she  expects  to  re- 
side permanently. 


Horatro 


Caft. 


Although  still  a  comparatively  young  man,  Lcrado  Taft 
stands  in  the  foremost  ranks  in  his  profession,  not  only  in  Chi- 
cago and  Illinois  but  in  this  country.  An  unceasing  student, 
with  genius  of  touch  and  vivid  imagination,  the  results  he  has 
achieved  have  been  such  as  to  win  for  him  a  reputation  which 
the  years  will  enhance. 

He  is  a  native  of  Illinois,  having  been  born  in  Ehnwood, 
Peoria  County,  in  1860.  His  father,  Don  Carlos  Taft,  was  a 
professor  in  the  State  University  at  Champaign,  111.,  and  here 
Mr.  Taft  was  graduated  in  1879.  The  following  year  he  went 
abroad,  and  for  three  years  was  a  student  in  1'Ecole  des  Beaux 
Arts.  At  the  expiration  of  this  time  he  came  back  to  America 
for  a  visit,  but  returned  to  Paris  for  two  years  more  of  study. 
In  1886,  he  established  himself  in  Chicago,  and  very  soon 
took  charge  of  the  classes  in  modeling  at  the  Art  Institute. 
This  position  he  has  held  ever  since,  and  has  made  the  stan- 
dard of  scholarship  in  this  department  very  high,  requiring 
from  his  pupils  the  same  lofty  aim  which  has  inspired  his  own 
life.  Besides  his  work  as  a  teacher,  he  has  given  many  courses 
of  public  lectures,  both  at  the  Institute  and  in  connection  with 
the  extension  department  of  the  University  of  Chicago.  He 
is  a  busy  man  in  his  own  studio,  with  his  classes  and  doing 

the  various  kinds  of  literary  work  which  claims  his  attention. 

471 


472  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

Among  his  pupils  he  is  a  great  favorite,  for  while  they  know 
that  nothing  less  than  their  best  effort  will  satisfy  him,  they 
realize  that  he  recognizes  merit  and  honest  endeavor,  and 
never  withholds  the  word  of  deserved  commendation.  Mr. 
Taft  is  most  conscientious  in  his  work,  painstaking  in  every 
detail,  striving  for  perfection  in  the  finish  of  all  he  under- 
takes, and  yet  there  is  the  greatest  freedom  in  every  curve,  and 
almost  the  touch  of  vitality  in  every  poise. 

His  professional  work  has  been  largely  in  portraiture  and 
military  monuments,  and  by  his  success  in  these  efforts  he  has 
established  a  most  enviable  national  reputation. 

Those  who  attended  the  Columbian  Exposition  will  recall, 
with  great  pleasure,  the  groups  which  he  contributed—"  The 
Sleep  of  the  Flowers  "  and  "  The  Awakening  of  the  Flow- 
ers," on  the  Horticultural  Building. 

Among  his  most  recent  works  are  "  Despair,"  done  in 
1898;  "  The  Solitude  of  the  Soul,"  1900;  "  Knowledge,"  1902, 
and  "  The  Fountain  of  Lakes, "  1903.  A  military  group  called 
"  The  Defense  of  the  Flag,"  which  was  designed  and  executed 
for  Jackson,  Michigan,  was  also  done  in  1903.  While  ambi- 
tious and  zealous  in  his  efforts  for  the  highest  degree  of  at- 
tainment, Mr.  Taft  is  a  man  of  modest  bearing,  free  from  the 
arrogance  which  mars  so  many  successful  artists. 

That  his  will  be  an  enduring  and  world-wide  reputation  is 
conceded  by  those  whose  judgment  is  unquestioned. 


William  Fernim. 


Itonon. 


The  art-life  of  the  Middle- West  is  becoming  more  and 
more  recognized  as  each  year  makes  history,  and  those  asso- 
ciated with  its  advancement  are  also  becoming  known  as  men 
of  artistic  taste  and  literary  and  art  research. 

Possibly  the  Columbian  Exhibit  gave  an  impetus  to  art 
and  developed  connoisseurs  and  critics  along  art  lines  to  an 
extent  not  admitted  then,  perhaps  not  fully  realized  even  now. 

Few  men  have  been  more  closely  associated  for  the  past 
twenty  years  with  this  art-life  of  the  Middle- West,  particu- 
larly as  existing  in  Chicago,  than  Mr.  Wm.  Vernon,  who,  dur- 
ing the  greater  part  of  that  time,  has  been  the  manager  of  the 
art  department  of  A.  H.  Abbott  &  Co. 

During  the  "World's  Fair  period  of  Chicago  Art,"  Mr. 
Vernon  was  Secretary  of  the  Chicago  Society  of  Artists. 

Those  who  were  in  Chicago  at  that  time  will  recall  the 
vast  number  of  distinguished  people  who,  in  various  ways, 
were  entertained  by  the  city.  The  local  Artists'  Club,  during 
the  fair  and  for  many  months  before,  was  the  "  rendezvous  " 
of  some  of  the  world's  most  famous  artists.  Well-known 
painters  from  Holland,  France,  Spain,  Italy,  England  and 
the  Scandinavian  Peninsula,  and  practically  all  of  the  best- 
known  American  artists,  were  guests  of  this  club.  Upon  Mr. 

Vernon  devolved  the  entertainment  of  these  men  of  many 

475 


470  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

climes  and  many  tastes.  That  he  discharged  this  duty  to  the 
delight  of  those  who  were  fortunate  enough  to  be  recipients 
of  this  hospitality  was  attested  many  a  time  most  eagerly  and 
enthusiastically  during  that  eventful  time. 

At  about  this  time,  Mr.  Vernon  secured  for  the  club  the 
Yerkes'  prizes  of  $500  for  the  best  collection  of  paintings  by 
Chicago  artists  at  the  annual  exhibition  of  the  society.  Chas. 
T.Yerkes,  the  donor  of  the  prizes,  gave  them  not  only  that  year 
but  annually  for  five  years,  or  until  the  disruption  of  the  so- 
ciety, in  1896. 

Since  the  organization  of  the  Vernon  Gallery,  Mr.  Ver- 
non has  made  yearly  pilgrimages  to  the  various  shrines  of  art 
in  Europe.  He  has  been  a  student  of  art  as  well  as  an  ardent 
admirer,  and  has  achieved  a  wide  reputation  for  rare  dis- 
cernment in  the  selection  of  works  of  art,  particularly  of  the 
Barbizon  and  modern  Dutch  schools. 

Mr.  Vernon  is  well  known  as  a  most  potent  friend  of  as- 
piring artists  who  possess  real  talent.  While  he  is,  of  neces- 
sity, a  critic  whom  nothing  escapes,  no  one  more  quickly  recog- 
nizes real  genius  under  the  errors  of  inexperience,  and  thus  he 
has  earned  the  distinction  of  "  bringing  out  "  some  of  the 
most  successful  western  painters.  Mr.  Vernon  is  a  man  of 
wide  literary  research,  and  wields  a  ready  pen.  He  writes 
frequently  on  various  subjects  connected  with  art,  and  for  a 
number  of  years  was  art  critic  for  the  Chicago  American. 


Jprancts  33rotonc. 


One  of  the  artists  in  Chicago,  who  has  won  for  himself  a 
reputation  which  places  him,  without  question,  in  the  very 
front  rank  of  the  best  in  his  profession,  is  Charles  Francis 
Browne.  We  speak  of  the  vastness  of  the  West,  its  wonder- 
ful resources,  its  varied  scenery,  and  this  and  more  is  very 
true.  After  all,  however,  in  the  comparatively  small  confines 
of  New  England,  we  find  the  picturesque,  the  grand  and  the 
beautiful  so  combined,  and  so  close  the  environment  of  the 
people,  that  we  cannot  wonder  that  many  an  artist  has  found 
development  there. 

Mr.  Browne  was  born  in  Natick,  Massachusetts,  May  21, 
1859,  but  the  family  soon  moved  to  Waltham,  where  he  re- 
ceived his  early  education.  He  began  his  art  studies  at  the 
Boston  Museum  of  Fine  Arts,  and  prosecuted  them  later  at 
Pennsylvania  Academy. 

In  both  of  these  art  schools  his  work  gave  abundant 
promise  of  what  the  later  years  have  accomplished.  He  was 
not  only  an  enthusiastic  and  earnest  student,  but  had  that  de- 
cided originality  of  conception  and  skill  in  execution  which 
have  characterized  his  more  mature  work.  In  1883,  he  went 
abroad,  and  studied  for  several  years  with  Gerome  in  L'ficole- 
des  Beaux  Arts.  In  1892,  he  came  to  Chicago,  and  soon  be- 
came connected  with  the  Art  Institute,  where  he  has  taught 

477 


478  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

for  the  past  eight  years,  and,  as  artist  and  teacher,  has 
achieved  a  most  gratifying  success. 

Oregon,  111.,  where  so  many  artists  have  their  summer 
homes,  has  afforded  Mr.  Browne  subjects  for  many  pictures 
which  have  been  exhibted  at  the  Art  Institute  or  found  a  place 
among  the  treasures  of  some  art-lover.  He  is  a  landscape 
painter,  and  most  exquisitely  does  he  reproduce  nature 's  most 
glorious  coloring  and  her  daintiest  tints.  It  seems  almost 
impossible  to  select  from  so  many  a  few  of  his  pictures  for 
mention.  In  1900,  he  exhibted  at  the  Art  Institute  the  fol- 
lowing—" Summer  Sky,"  "  River  Road,"  "A  Hillside  "  and 
"  The  Yellow  Pond;"  in  1902,  "Afternoon  on  Rock  River," 
at  Grand  Detour,  111.,  and  "  Harvesting  Wheat,"  Oregon,  111. 

There  is  never  a  meaningless  stroke  of  the  brush  in  Mr. 
Browne's  pictures.  Every  detail  is  most  carefully  given,  and 
the  results  have  made  his  pictures  great  favorites  and  widely 
known.  He  is  a  true  lover  of  nature,  and  paints  con  amore, 
an  important  element  in  success.  His  wife  is  the  sister  of 
Lorado  Taft,  the  sculptor,  and  the  artist  atmosphere  is  most 
delightfully  felt  in  their  home.  He  is  at  present  (1903) 
abroad,  and  is  planning  to  remain  there  the  greater  part  of  a 
year.  This  experience  will  be  of  value  to  him,  for  he  is  as  in- 
defatigable a  student  as  in  the  days  when  he  had  reputation 
and  success  in  his  profession  still  to  achieve.  He  will,  no 
doubt,  on  his  return,  add  many  to  the  laurels  already  won. 


Cfjnstta  ffi.  l&calrc. 


ftttss  CJjnstta  JE.  Meatre. 


A  most  talented  and  versatile  artist  is  Miss  Christia  M. 
Eeade,  a  Chicago  girl,  who  owes  much  of  her  artistic  training 
to  the  Chicago  Art  Institute.  Some  years  ago,  she  entered  the 
institute  life  and  color  class,  with  no  thought  of  attempting 
the  work  of  an  artistic  designer.  Some  wonderfully  clever 
designs,  submitted  quite  casually  to  a  designing  and  decor- 
ating firm  in  Chicago,  decided  the  question.  Miss  Reade  was 
importuned,  and  consented  to  become  one  of  the  staff  of  de- 
signers employed  by  this  firm,  devoting  herself  almost  ex- 
clusively to  designs  for  stained  glass  execution.  She  remained 
with  this  firm  for  some  years,  carrying  her  work  through 
every  stage  from  the  initial  sketch  to  the  installed  window, 
following  this  training  by  two  and  a  half  years  of  European 
study. 

Returning  to  Chicago,  she  established  a  studio,  and  finds 
a  ready  market  for  the  exquisite  work  which  is  designed  and 
executed  by  her.  It  is  her  ambition  some  day  to  have  a 
"  shop  "  of  her  own,  in  which  all  sorts  of  beautiful  things 
shall  be  made,  and  where  she  can  devote  herself  even  more 
than  now  to  the  stained  glass  work,  so  interesting  and  un- 
usual. Among  the  better  known  examples  of  her  extensive 
work  along  this  line  is  the  memorial  window  dedicated  to 

Judge  Drummond,  recently  placed  in  the  Episcopal  Church 

481 


482  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

at  Wheaton.  "  The  Worship  of  the  Wise  Men  "  has  been 
pronounced  by  competent  critics  as  wonderfully  artistic  in 
design  and  creation.  Conventionalized  lilies  and  the  half -un- 
folding scroll  of  another  memorial  window,  designed  in  lov- 
ing commemoration  of  a  young  girl,  are  exceedingly  lovely  and 
delicate  in  form  and  basic  idea. 

In  the  way  of  medals,  brooches,  buckles,  fobs,  clasps, 
chains,  and  all  manner  of  artistic  feminine  belungings,  Miss 
Reade  has  produced  some  most  unique  and  effective  results, 
especially  in  old  silver  and  copper  with  semi-precious  stones. 
In  iron  she  also  does  excellent  and  original  work,  fashioning 
hinges,  decorations,  shields,  crests  and  other  finishing  touches 
for  the  wood  and  furniture  designs  made  by  herself.  In 
working  both  copper  and  brass,  Miss  Reade  finds  great  pleas- 
ure and  most  satisfactory  artistic  expression.  The  original- 
ity and  beauty  of  the  thoughts  she  has  wrought  into  metal 
place  her  in  the  highest  rank  among  the  comparatively  few 
workers  in  this  realm  of  art.  Water  colors  and  book  plates 
also  appeal  to  this  gifted,  artistic  nature  most  strongly,  and 
specimens  of  her  book-plate  art  are  in  demand  all  over  the 
country. 

It  is  the  wide  scope  of  research  and  artistic  delving,  as 
well  as  the  genius  of  originality  and  beauty-worship,  which 
render  Miss  Christia  M.  Reade 's  wonderful  achievements  pe- 
culiarly her  own. 


Ctarfesmt. 


Clarfcswt. 


In  that  beautiful  building,  the  home  of  some  of  Chicago's 
best  artists,  Mr.  Clarkson,  widely  recognized  in  the  world  of 
art,  has  his  studio.  New  England  has  furnished  a  large  pro- 
portion not  only  of  the  scholars,  authors  and  orators  of  the 
day,  but  its  artists  as  well.  Among  them  no  one  has  achieved 
more  in  his  profession  than  has  Ralph  Clarkson.  He  was 
born  in  1861,  at  Amesbury,  Essex  County,  Mass.,  a  near  neigh- 
bor of  the  beloved  Whittier,  who  was  a  friend  of  the  family, 
and  whom  Mr.  Clarkson  knew  and  loved  as  a  boy  and  until  the 
death  of  the  famous  poet. 

He  first  studied  art  in  the  Boston  Art  Museum,  and  later 
in  the  Julien  Academy,  in  Paris,  where  he  obtained  the  honor 
of  being  an  exhibitor  in  the  Salon. 

For  six  years  he  lived  abroad,  traveling  extensively  in 
Spain,  Italy,  Germany,  Austria  and  the  Netherlands.  These 
years  were  wonderful  years  to  him  in  the  opportunity  they  af- 
forded to  study  the  works  of  the  great  masters  of  various 
schools,  and  familiarize  himself  with  what  lay  back  of  results 
attained,  and,  in  a  degree,  with  the  secret  of  inspiration.  That 
this  experience  is  still  of  value  to  him  is  evidenced  by  his 
work,  into  which  he  has  put  the  multifold  and  valuable  glean- 
ings of  these  years.  Mr.  Clarkson 's  special  line  of  work  is 
painting  portraits,  a  work  in  which  he  has  won  a  most  en- 
viable reputation. 

486 


486  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

There  is  no  realm  of  art  in  which  it  is  so  difficult  to 
achieve  success  as  in  that  which  portrays  the  human  face  and 
form  in  marble  or  on  canvas.  Mr.  Clarkson's  portraits  are 
instinct  with  life  itself,  a  speaking  likeness,  a  bright  eye,  an 
almost  mobile  lip,  being  among  their  chief  characteristics. 
Among  the  portraits  he  has  painted  may  be  named  Judge 
Palmer  and  Miss  Peck,  of  Milwaukee,  Wis.;  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
W.  J.  Bryan,  of  national  fame;  Carter  Harrison,  Mayor  of 
Chicago ;  the  late  Governor  Altgeld,  and  many  members  of  the 
Studebaker  family,  of  South  Bend,  Ind. 

Mr.  Clarkson  is  a  member  of  the  New  York  Color  Club, 
President  of  the  Art  Commission,  Chicago;  Vice-President 
of  the  Municipal  Art  League  (in  which  he  has  been  very  ac- 
tive) ;  Treasurer  Chicago  Society  of  Artists,  and  member  of 
the  "  Little  Room."  He  was  a  member  of  the  American  Art 
Jury,  Paris  Exposition,  1900,  and  is  a  member  of  the  Art 
Jury,  St.  Louis  Exposition,  1904.  Mr.  Clarkson  is  an  en- 
thusiast in  his  profession,  with  high  appreciation  of  its  pecu- 
liar demands  and  a  conscientious  endeavor  to  meet  his  own 
lofty  ideals.  Comparatively  a  young  man,  his  success  is  un- 
questioned, and  his  position  assured  in  the  foremost  ranks  of 
his  profession. 


JFretrertck  Warner  JFmr,  &.N. 


FREDERICK  WARNER  FREER,  A.  N.  A. 


JTrctrcvtdt  gHarno:  Jfmr,  8LN.S. 


Frederick  Warner  Freer,  A.  N.  A.,  was  born  in  Chicago, 
111.,  in  1849,  and  has  lived  there  most  of  his  life,  except  when 
absent  studying.  He  is  a  portrait  and  genre  painter,  who  has 
achieved  for  himself  a  more  than  excellent  reputation,  and  is 
a  teacher  of  painting  in  the  Art  Institute,  of  Chicago.  Among 
his  most  important  and  best  known  works  may  be  mentioned 
"A  Lady  in  Black,"  owned  by  the  Boston  Art  Club;  "  Jean- 
nette,"  owned  by  the  National  Academy  of  Design;  "  Conso- 
lation," "  The  Young  Mother,"  owned  by  F.  S.  Coffin,  of  Bos- 
ton; "  The  Old  Letter,"  owned  by  the  Detroit  Club; 
"  Thoughts  of  the  Future,"  "  In  Ambush,"  etc.,  etc. 

As  a  portrait  painter,  he  has  won  a  wide  fame.  His  por- 
traits are  most  satisfying  in  that  they  preserve  the  individu- 
ality of  the  person.  Those  who  have  been  bitterly  disap- 
pointed, as  is  often  the  case,  in  the  picture  from  which  they 
hoped  much  will  appreciate  this  rare  gift.  The  work  is  most 
exquisitely  done,  every  detail  is  carefully  given,  the  coloring, 
is  natural,  the  finish  is  perfect,  and  yet  the  pictured  face  is 
eloquent  with  the  expression  and  the  character  of  the  original. 
That  this  fact  is  recognized  is  easily  seen  by  a  partial  list  of 
important  works  in  this  line  which  have  been  committed  to 
him,  and  which  he  has  done  most  admirably:— The  late  Dr. 

E.  L.  Holmes,  President  of  Rush  Medical  College,  the  prop- 

489 


490  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

erty  of  the  college ;  the  late  Dr.  Oliver  Marcy,  property  of  the 
Northwestern  University ;  Dr.  Angell,  President  of  Michigan 
University,  owned  by  the  University ;  the  late, Charles  W.  Ful- 
lerton,  owned  by  the  Art  Institute,  of  Chicago;  Judge  GL  S. 
Robinson,  owned  by  the  Supreme  Court  of  Iowa,  and  others. 
He  has  had  many  honors  given  him  in  recognition  of  the  ex- 
cellence of  his  work.  He  received  a  medal  at  the  World's  Co- 
lumbian Exposition,  Chicago,  1893 ;  a  bronze  medal  at  the  Pan- 
American  Exposition,  Buffalo,  1901;  a  silver  medal  at  the 
South  Carolina  Inter-State  and  West  Indian  Exhibit,  1901-02, 
and  the  Marten  B.  Cahn  prize,  from  the  Art  Institute,  Chi- 
cago, 1901.  He  has  the  title  A.  N.  A.  (Associate  Member  Na- 
tional Academy  of  Design) ,  and  is  a  member  of  the  American 
Water  Color  Society,  also  of  the  Society  of  American  Artists, 
of  the  Salmagundi,  etc. 

As  a  teacher  Prof.  Freer  is  enthusiastic,  conscientious 
and  inspiring.  Ambitious  and  successful  himself,  he  expects 
his  pupils  to  have  the  highest  aims  and  be  willing  to  work 
for  their  realization.  As  an  artist,  his  has  been  a  rarely  suc- 
cessful life,  and  he  has  made  for  himself  a  name  in  which  he 
may  well  feel  a  pride.  Many  of  the  pictures  which  have  been 
named  have  a  national  fame,  and  Chicago  and  the  Art  Insti- 
tute congratulate  themselves  that  Prof.  Freer  has  identified 
himself  with  the  art  ambitions  and  interests  of  this  city. 


ffi.  Hne|  Ice. 


ILec. 


"  The  art  of  fencing,  in  this  century,  is  learned  and 
taught  as  an  elegant  accomplishment,  developing  gracefulness 
and  activity,  while  it  imparts  suppleness  to  the  limbs,  strength 
to  the  muscles  and  quickness  to  the  eye." 

It  is  an  art  which  has  been  improved  and  perfected  dur- 
ing the  past  centuries,  until  of  the  two  recognized  schools — 
French  and  Italian — the  French  is  considered  by  far  the  more 
scientific,  embracing  a  more  beautiful  foil-play.  For  women 
fencing  is  rarely  adapted,  and  from  maid  to  matron  only  sheer 
love  of  the  art  induces  its  practice.  In  one  of  the  large,  hand- 
some studios  in  the  Fine  Arts  Building,  Chicago,  is  an  en- 
thusiastic teacher  of  the  art,  and  the  keynote  of  her  success 
has  been  careful,  painstaking  thoroughness. 

In  a  pleasant  country  home,  near  Plainfield,  Iowa,  was 
born,  March  4, 1874,  M.  Inez  Lee.  Of  good  old  New  England 
stock,  by  nature  buoyant  and  hopeful,  her  childhood  and  youth 
were  spent  amid  the  flowers  and  the  birds  until  she  grew  up  a 
strong,  self-reliant,  superbly-developed  young  woman,  pas- 
sionately fond  of  outdoor  sports  and  enthusiastic  in  her  love 
of  animals.  Almost  from  babyhood  she  has  ridden,  and,  at  an 
early  age,  was  an  expert  horsewoman.  Out  of  doors  from 
morning  till  night,  now  with  her  brothers,  now  out  for  a  long 
ride  alone,  except  for  her  horse  and  dog,  she  passed  her  child- 
hood.  493 


494  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

The  best  music  teachers  available  were  secured  for  her 
at  an  early  age,  and  when  sixteen  years  old,  at  the  earnest  so- 
licitation of  the  neighbors,  she  commenced  to  give  music  les- 
sons to  their  children.  Tiring  of  this,  at  the  end  of  two  years, 
she  went  to  college  to  prepare  herself  for  teaching  in  the  pub- 
lic schools,  but  before  completing  her  course  was  teaching  in 
a  country  school,  studying  nights  to  keep  up  with  her  class- 
mates. 

Later  she  went  to  Des  Moines  for  further  study,  and  from 
there  to  Chicago,  where  she  has  spent  the  greater  part  of  the 
time  since. 

During  all  this  time  she  has  been  an  enthusiastic  devotee 
of  all  kinds  of  athletics,  and  soon  after  reaching  Chicago  she 
took  a  thorough  course  in  foil  and"  broadsword  work,  including 
the  regular  United  States  Army  cavalry  practice,  with  Capt. 
F.  E.  Yates,  fencingmaster  of  the  Chicago  Athletic  Associa- 
tion. After  teaching  a  year,  she  further  perfected  herself  for 
her  vocation  by  studying  with  the  best  instructors  to  be  had  in 
New  York  and  Boston.  She  also  spent  some  time  at  West 
Point  studying  the  manoeuvres  and  tactics  as  employed  there. 

Tall,  with  a  wealth  of  red-gold  hair,  an  erect  and  grace- 
ful carriage,  she  is  a  familiar  figure  on  Michigan  Ave.,  and 
her  hosts  of  friends  predict  for  her  a  brilliant  success  in  her 
chosen  work. 


Uunlrfcerg. 


Mutrotyfj  ILunlrforg. 


An  artist,  devoting  years  to  careful  preparation  for  his 
lifework,  a  delightful  singer,  a  conscientious  teacher  and  a 
well-known  nmsical  conductor,  Rudolph  Lundborg  has 
achieved  a  merited  success. 

He  was  born  July  25,  1870,  in  Trollhatten,  Sweden, 
where  he  spent  his  early  childhood.  "When  twelve  years  of 
age,  he  was  sent  to  the  College  in  Gothenburg,  Sweden, 
where  he  remained  five  years.  In  1887  he  entered  the  Royal 
Musical  Academy  in  Stockholm,  from  which  he  was-  gradu- 
ated in  1892  in  voice  culture,  piano,  organ  and  harmony. 
The  following  two  years  were  devoted  to  study  under  the 
private  tuition  of  Prof.  Ivar  Hallstrom.  For  three  con- 
secutive years,  1894-97,  he  was  elected  organist  and  choir- 
leader  at  Lindesberg,  Sweden.  But  Rudolph  Lundborg  was 
not  satisfied  with  what  presented  itself  to  him  for  achieve- 
ment in  his  native  country.  He  longed  for  larger  fields  of 
usefulness,  and,  in  1897,  came  to  America.  He  very  soon 
came  in  touch  with  musical  effort  in  the  middle-west,  and  was 
appointed  the  Musical  Director  at  Burlington  Institute  Col- 
lege, in  Burlington,  Iowa. 

Here  he  remained  for  two  years,  achieving  a  marked  de- 
gree of  success.  At  the  end  of  that  time  he  received  a  call 
which  he  accepted  to  become  the  Musical  Director  at  Lombard 


498  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

College,  Galesburg,  Illinois,  where  he  has  remained  for  nearly 
five  years.  In  Galesburg  he  had  opportunity  for  other  than 
the  routine  work  of  his  school  position.  He  became  most 
favorably  known,  not  only  as  a  teacher  and  conductor,  but 
as  a  singer.  He  gave  many  recitals  and  concerts  in  Gales- 
burg and  vicinity,  which  were  successful  to  a  most  gratifying 
extent,  and  was  also  the  choir-leader  in  the  First  Lutheran 
Church  of  Galesburg.  As  a  teacher,  Mr.  Lundborg  has 
given  to  those  under  his  care  the  same  excellence  of  method 
and  careful  training  which  were  his  own  during  the  years  he 
devoted  to  study.  Painstaking  and  persevering  himself,  he 
exacts  a  like  attention  to  detail  from  his  pupils,  and  the  re- 
sults he  attains  are  most  satisfactory.  His  whole  life  has 
been  spent  in  the  atmosphere  of  study,  and  he  is  devoted  to 
the  profession  for  which  he  is  so  well  equipped,  and  in 
which  (although  comparatively  a  newcomer  in  this  country) 
he  has  made  an  enviable  reputation.  Feeling  the  need  of 
rest,  wishing  to  revisit  the  scenes  of  his  childhood  and  spend 
some  time  with  members  of  his  family,  Mr.  Lundborg  is  at 
present  in  Sweden.  He  does  not,  however,  expect  to  remain 
there  permanently.  His  heart  is  in  his  work  in  America, 
and,  although  the  months  of  vacation  have  passed  most 
pleasantly,  he  is  planning  to  return  to  America  in  the  near 
future. 


Eatfjartuc  U.  Stdunson, 


KATHARINE  V.  DICKINSON. 


HatTjartni  'F.  Htdnnscw, 


Among  the  music  lovers  and  music  teachers  who  are  do- 
ing extensive  work  along  the  most  approved  lines,  none  de- 
serves more  cordial  recognition  than  does  Miss  Katharine  V. 
Dickinson,  whose  home  for  the  past  eleven  years  has  been  in 
Alton,  111.  Her  native  city  was  Penn  Yan,  Yates  County, 
New  York,  her  parents  being  Charles  F.  and  Martha  Cole 
Dickinson. 

Her  education  was  obtained  in  New  York  City  and  in 
Boston,  Mass.  She  received  preparation  for  her  special  work 
at  the  New  England  Conservatory  of  Music,  Boston,  Mass., 
and  from  such  eminent  teachers  as  Mr.  J.  Harry  Wheeler  and 
Mme.  Lena  Doria  Devine,  of  New  York,  both  of  whom  were 
pupils  and  certified  exponents  of  the  principles  of  the  old 
Italian  school  of  singing  as  taught  by  the  great  Maestro  Fran- 
cesco Lamperti.  Miss  Dickinson  is,  therefore,  thoroughly  im- 
bued with  these  principles,  and  in  her  teaching  adheres  strict- 
ly to  them.  Her  piano  study  was  under  the  direction  of  Prof. 
Otto  Bendix,  Florence  Keer  and,  later,  Mr.  Carl  Lachmund, 
now  of  New  York.  Theory  and  harmony  were  studied  under 
Prof.  Louis  Elson,  the  eminent  author,  critic  and  lecturer,  and 
the  late  Stephen  A.  Emery,  author  of  standard  text-books. 
Such  preparation  has  been  supplemented  by  further  study 

and  years  of  experience  in  teaching. 

501 


502  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

In  1891,  she  became  director  of  the  Voice  School  of 
Shurtleff  College,  Upper  Alton,  111.,  and,  in  1893,  was  con- 
nected with  the  Alton  Conservatory,  which  position  she  held 
until  September,  1899,  when  she  opened  her  own  studio,  where 
she  is  beginning  her  fourth  season,  having  achieved  unusual 
success.  She  was  the  founder,  and  is  the  director,  of  the 
Camerata  Chorus,  a  chorus  of  fifty  ladies,  and  for  five  years 
has  been  director  of  the  choir  of  the  First  Presbyterian 
Church. 

The  work  undertaken  by  Miss  Dickinson  in  her  present 
location  is  laid  upon  lines  of  broad  musical  culture.  To  that 
end  she  supplements  her  personal  individual  work  not  only 
with  studies,  in  classes,  directly  essential  to  musical  under- 
standing and  feeling,  but  with  those  broadening  studies  in  lit- 
erature and  history  necessary  to  a  fine  culture.  Her  abundant 
success  in  this  method  lies  not  only  in  the  knowledge  of  her 
subject,  but  in  that  special  gift  of  sympathy,  rarer  than 
knowledge,  which  marks  the  ideal  teacher. 

Miss  Dickinson's  influence  in  the  field  of  public  school 
music  has  been  particularly  felt.  She  has  not  only  labored 
assiduously  to  place  music  in  the  required  course  of  studies 
of  every  public  school,  but  has  carefully  and  earnestly  trained 
many  of  the  teachers,  fitting  them  for  the  regular  school  work 
of  that  study.  Numbers  of  her  pupils  are  occupying  lucra- 
tive positions  as  Supervisors  of  Music.  Miss  Dickinson's 
work  has  been  so  largely  among  teachers  that  she  may  fitly 
be  called  a  teacher  of  teachers. 


£Ia£ton. 


HEXKY  LAKE  SLAYTOX. 


ILake 


The  name  of  Henry  Lake  Slayton  is  known  all  over  this 
country  as  the  name  of  the  founder  of  the  Slayton  Lyceum 
Bureau,  one  of  the  oldest  and  largest  entertainment  bureaus  in 
America.  He  was  born  in  Woodstock,  Vermont,  May  29, 
1841,  the  son  of  Stephen  D.  and  Lucy  Maria  (Kendall)  Slay- 
ton.  The  family  in  America  is  descended  from  Capt.  Thomas 
Slayton,  a  native  of  Scotland,  who  came  to  Massachusetts  in 
1690.  A  large  number  of  his  descendants  took  part  in  the 
Eevolutionary  and  Civil  Wars. 

Mr.  Slayton 's  boyhood  was  passed  on  his  father's  farm, 
and  after  attending  the  district  and  High  School  in  Lebanon, 
N.  H.,  he  took  a  three  years'  course  at  Kimball  Union  Acad- 
emy and  a  special  military  course  at  Norwich  University,  Ver- 
mont. His  father  was  a  staunch  Abolitionist,  and  the  son,  at 
an  early  age,  became  imbued  with  a  like  spirit.  In  1861,  at 
the  beginning  of  the  Civil  War,  a  meeting  was  held  in  his 
native  town,  and  an  earnest  call  was  made  for  volunteers, 
and  various  young  men  in  the  audience  were  invited  to  speak. 
Henry  L.  Slayton  responded  in  words  which,  in  the  light  of 
subsequent  events,  proved  to  have  been  almost  prophecy. 
He  promised  to  aid  in  every  way  at  home  by  drilling  com- 
panies and  speaking,  but  he  felt  the  time  for  him  to  enlist 

had  not  yet  come,  and  said,  in  substance:  "  Success  will  not 

505 


506  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

be  ours  till  the  colored  people  are  armed. ' '  Declining  offers  to 
go  into  the  field  as  an  officer,  he  waited  till  September,  1863, 
when  he  was  commissioned  First  Lieut,  in  the  Second  U.  S. 
Colored  Infantry,  the  first  colored  regiment  armed  by  the  U. 
S.  Government.  He  served  during  the  next  two  years,  prin- 
cipally in  the  Gulf  States  and  Florida,  where  no  quarter  was 
shown  officers  of  colored  regiments  and  where  hardship  and 
peril  daily  confronted  him.  He  was  repeatedly  appointed  on 
court-martials,  and  was  a  member  of  the  Military  Commission 
for  Florida. 

When  mustered  out  of  service,  in  1866,  he  was  com- 
manding officer  of  company  "  K  ".  The  following  autumn 
he  began  the  study  of  law,  graduating  from  the  Albany  Law 
School  in  1867.  He  began  practice  in  Chicago,  111.,  and  was 
at  once  very  successful,  particularly  as  a  criminal  lawyer, 
and  remained  there  until  the  great  fire  of  1871.  By  that 
calamity  he  lost  his  library,  and  barely  escaped  with  his  life. 
Those  who  were  in  Chicago  at  that  time  will  remember  the  at- 
tempts made  to  burn  the  city,  and  the  excitement  prevalent  as 
a  result.  Every  or  anyone  unfortunate  enough  for  any  reason 
to  attract  attention  was  at  once  branded  a  "  fire-burner,"  and 
with  difficulty  escaped  the  fury  of  the  mob.  Walking  on  South 
State  St.  one  day,  Mr.  Slayton,  by  some  peculiarity  of  dress, 
thus  excited  the  attention  of  those  in  the  streets,  and  it  was 
only  after  a  most  perilous  experience  that  he  was  rescued  from 
the  furious  crowd.  At  one  time  six  revolvers  were  leveled  at 
him,  and  it  was  only  the  fear  of  shooting  others  which  saved 
him  from  the  bullet.  Almost  immediately  after  the  fire  he  ac- 
cepted the  position  of  Superintendent  of  Public  Schools  in 
Texas,  and  entered  with  enthusiasm  upon  his  work. 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  507 

His  efforts  in  behalf  of  colored  schools  occasioned  much 
ill-feeling,  and  as  a  result  several  schools  were  destroyed  and 
his  life  was  threatened.  He  remained  in  Texas  two  and  a  half 
years,  managing  and  editing  a  newspaper  in  addition  to  his 
other  duties.  Ill  health  compelled  his  resignation,  and  after  a 
brief  visit  to  New  Hampshire  he  returned  to  Chicago. 

March  19,  1873,  he  was  married  to  Mina  E.,  daughter  of 
John  Gregory,  a  Universalist  clergyman,  of  Northfield,  Ver- 
mont. Mrs.  Slayton  was  a  talented  elocutionist,  and  the  de- 
sire to  give  her  the  coveted  opportunity  to  appear  in  the  right 
way  before  the  best  people  led  to  the  establishment,  in  1873,  of 
the  Slayton  Lyceum  Bureau.  From  the  beginning  it  was  a 
success  in  furnishing  and  directing  lecturers,  readers,  singers, 
dramatic  and  concert  troupes  in  all  parts  of  the  country. 

During  a  period  of  thirty  years  ending  May  1,  1903,  the 
Bureau  negotiated  over  65,000  lecture  and  concert  engage- 
ments. Many  noted  representatives  of  artistic  professions 
have  received  their  first  start  under  its  auspices.  This  Bureau 
has  branches  in  most  of  the  large  cities,  while  its  agents  are 
everywhere  all  over  the  country,  busy  with  preparations  for 
the  coming  season. 

Mr.  Slayton  has  a  keen  personal  interest  in  the  success 
particularly  of  those  who  have  begun  their  public  career  with 
him,  and  is  an  inspiration  to  those  too  easily  discouraged.  As 
a  manager,  Mr.  Slayton  is  enterprising,  yet  sufficiently  con- 
servative to  avoid  the  mistakes  and  dangers  so  often  incurred 
in  the  management  of  public  entertainments.  He  is  a  ready 
and  fluent  speaker,  and  has  written  many  newspaper  articles. 
He  is  a  man  of  strong  convictions,  and  has  the  courage  of 
these  convictions.  At  the  time  of  the  Presidential  campaigns 


508  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

he  has  taken  an  active  part  in  politics,  often  at  the  risk  of  per- 
sonal harm,  but  he  has  been  fearless,  and  sometimes  it  has 
seemed  as  if  his  was  a  charmed  life. 

Mr.  Slayton  is  planning  to  go,  with  his  wife,  to  California 
to  live,  at  least  during  the  winter  months,  and  enjoy  compara- 
tive rest.  Wherever  he  goes  he  will  still  be  in  touch  with  the 
work  with  which  he  is  so  wholly  identified,  and  may  himself 
enjoy  what  he  has  provided  for  the  pleasure  of  others. 


JFrattklut 


JFrankltn 


John  Franklin  Stacey  was  born,  March  16, 1859,  in  Bidde- 
ford,  Maine.  He  first  studied  art  in  the  State  Normal  School, 
Boston,  Mass.,  graduating  in  1881.  The  autumn  of  the  same 
year  he  secured  appointment  as  supervisor  of  drawing  in  the 
public  schools  in  the  towns  of  Pittsfield  and  North  Adams, 
Mass.  At  the  end  of  two  years  he  resigned  and  went  to  Paris, 
there  to  further  pursue  his  studies  in  art.  For  three  years  he 
was  in  the  Julian  Academy,  under  the  direction  of  Boulanger 
and  Le  Febvre.  Returning  to  America,  he  went  West  and 
became  Director  of  the  Kansas  City  Art  School,  which  posi- 
tion he  held  for  three  years.  At  present  he  is  the  art  in- 
structor in  the  R.  T.  Crane  Manual  Training  School,  Chicago. 
For  the  past  ten  years  he  has  been  a  constant  exhibitor  in 
all  local  exhibits  and  in  numerous  other  exhibits,  both  East 
and  West. 

He  paints  landscapes  exclusively,  and  has  received  most 
complimentary  press  notices.  In  1900,  he  visited  the  Paris 
Exposition,  and  painted  in  the  village  of  Anvers-sur-Oise  dur- 
ing the  summer.  Another  summer  he  spent  in  Mystic,  Conn., 
where,  out  of  the  meadows  and  rolling  hills  of  that  New  Eng- 
land country,  he  evolved  pictures  of  which  an  art  critic  has 
written—"  They  are  good,  strong,  clear  pictures."  In  fact, 
some  of  his  very  best  pictures  have  their  origin  in  the  "  hilly 

511 


512  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

highways,  stone  fences,  Yankee  farmhouses  and  neglected 
meadows  of  New  England."  Several  clubs  are  the  fortunate 
possessors  of  some  of  Mr.  Stacey's  paintings.  "  Overlooking 
the  Valley  of  the  Mystic  "  was  bought  by  the  Union  League 
Club,  of  Chicago,  at  the  February  exhibition  of  1902,  and  is 
recognized  as  one  of  the  very  best  of  his  pictures.  Mr.  Stacey 
is  at  present  the  Vice-President  of  the  Arts  Club,  of  Chicago. 
Possibly  one  of  the  most  marked  characteristics  of  Mr.  Sta- 
cey's work  is  its  pronounced  individuality.  Others  have 
painted  like  meadows  and  streams,  but  no  one  has  presented 
them  just  as  he  has  done.  He  has  his  own  way  of  doing 
things,  he  sees  from  his  own  standpoint,  and  after  looking  at 
some  landscape  from  his  brush  there  comes  an  appeal  to  the 
heart  which  says  none  have  done  better.  An  enthusiast  in  his 
art,  happy  in  almost  an  ideal  way  with  his  talented  wife,  suc- 
cess is  his  already.  His  untiring  perseverance  and  his  origin- 
ality, his  bold,  strong  touch  and  delicate  comprehension  of 
his  subject,  are  winning  him  public  notice  and  commendation 
which  will  enroll  his  name  among  the  Chicago  artists  of  the 
twentieth  century. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stacey  both  maintain  studios  in  the  Studio 
Building,  a  favorite  retreat  for  beauty-loving  souls,  for  the 
charm  of  home  life,  as  well  as  artist  life,  is  there. 


fttrs. 


H. 


XX7         - 

6^*t^,     ^*, 


JHrs. 


Mrs.  Anna  L.  Stacey  was  born  in  Glasgow,  Mo.,  and  edu- 
cated in  the  Pritchard  School  Institute,  of  that  State.  As  a 
child  she  enjoyed  drawing,  and  received  a  few  lessons  from  a 
teacher  who  observed  her  ability.  After  some  years  she 
availed  herself  of  the  opportunity  to  enter  the  Art  School  in 
Kansas  City.  One  of  the  teachers  in  this  school  was  a  young 
man,  John  Stacey.  He,  too,  noticed  the  ability  of  the  fair- 
haired  student,  and  persuaded  her  to  move  "  her  easel  to  his 
studio,  and  become  his  life-pupil."  This  was  ten  years  ago. 
The  young  couple  came  to  Chicago,  and  Mrs.  Stacey  entered 
the  Art  Institute  and  became  a  pupil  of  Leonard  Ochtman,  in 
the  fall  of  1893.  While  still  a  pupil,  she  received  a  prize  for 
the  best  water-color  at  the  West  End  Woman's  Club  Salon,  of 
February,  1896.  From  that  time  she  has  exhibited  at  all  local 
exhibitions,  and,  in  the  February  exhibition  of  1900,  received 
honorable  mention  from  Young  Fortnightly  on  "A  Gray  Day 
on  the  Mystic  River,"  Conn.  In  the  February  exhibition  of 
1902,  she  received  the  prize  for  the  best  picture  exhibited.  The 
picture  was  the  head  of  a  little  red-haired  girl,  painted  out-of- 
doors,  and  entitled  "  Florence."  Of  it  an  art  critic  wrote  the 
following—"  '  Florence  '  portrays  a  child's  head  against  a 
shadowy  background  of  green  foliage.  The  face  is  partly 
turned;  long,  reddish,  golden-brown  curls  fall  on  the  shoul- 

515 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 


ders,  and  eyes  and  complexion  are  painted  in  rich  tones  usual- 
ly seen  with  that  peculiar  shade  of  hair.  The  brush  work  is 
exquisitely  done;  there  is  something  subtle  and  indefinable 
which  gives  a  charm  to  the  beautiful  creature.  She  seems 
alive  behind  the  glass,  and  to  be  elfin  in  her  nature.  This  pic- 
ture has  been  purchased  by  the  Klio,  and  a  picture  of  a  young 
woman  meditating,  '  When  all  the  World  Seems  Pair,'  was 
bought  by  the  Woman's  Aid.  Other  pictures  are  owned  by 
the  Nike,  Union  League  and  Arche  Clubs.  Mrs.  Stacey  paints 
both  figures  and  landscapes,  intending  to  combine  the  two. 
She  attributes  her  success  to  perseverence  and  hard  work, 
rather  than  to  any  unusual  ability." 

Her  friends,  however,  are  not  prepared  to  ignore  the  fact 
that  she  has  wonderful  talent. 

She  has  become  a  leading  painter  among  Chicago  artists, 
and  bears  her  honors  lightly,  though  proudly,  always  modestly 
unassuming,  happy  in  her  life  with  her  artist-husband.  In 
November,  1902,  she  won  the  Martin  B.  Cahn  prize  for  a  pic- 
ture called  "  Village  at  Twilight."  While  Mr.  Stacey  was 
painting  meadows  and  farmhouses  at  Mystic,  Conn.,  she  wan- 
dered to  the  wharves  and  boats,  which  gave  her  opportunity 
to  draw  picturesque  forms  and  use  color  freely.  Besides  these 
are  life-sized  heads  and  two-thirds  length  figures,  drawn  out 
of  doors,  in  an  old-fashioned  garden. 

They  are  pretentious,  but  well  done,  and  quaint  enough  to 
win  her  an  enviable  reputation. 

Mrs.  Stacey  certainly  has  before  her  a  brilliant  career  in 
her  chosen  profession. 


Ittr. 


M, 


iWr.   Suies  &,  flflcrafcttrm 


Mr.  Jules  R.  Mersfelder  was  born  in  Western  California, 
a  fitting  birthplace  for  the  artist  nature.  One  not  conversant 
with  the  bewildering  beauty  of  the  California  landscape,  with 
the  Italian  softness  of  her  skies,  the  loveliness  of  her  waters 
and  the  grandeur  of  her  seacoast,  cannot  possibly  estimate  the 
influence  which  these  have  upon  a  poetic  nature.  The  influ- 
ences of  climate,  of  all  this  mystery  of  nature  in  her  glory, 
this  fullness  of  beauty,  is  potent  in  the  development  of  the 
artistic  impulse  and  in  stirring  ambitious  inspirations. 

So  it  proved  in  the  case  of  Jules  R.  Mersfelder.  He  be- 
came an  art  student  at  the  age  of  nine  years,  and  until  he  went 
abroad  Inners  and  Wyant  were  his  preceptors.  While  a 
student  in  France,  the  Barbizon  painters  were  of  the  most  in- 
timate interest  to  him,  and  to  them  he  devoted  many,  many 
hours.  This  attraction  was  a  strong  proof  of  the  impression 
made  upon  him,  during  his  childhood  and  earlier  years,  by 
the  California  forests  and  their  atmosphere. 

Mr.  Mersfelder  has  painted  in  many  climes,  striving  to 
capture  the  beauties  of  each,  no  matter  how  elusive,  and  im- 
prison them  on  canvas. 

His  is  a  restless  spirit  and,  much  as  they  may  wish  he 
would  be  contented  to  remain,  even  for  a  comparatively  lim- 
ited time,  in  one  place,  his  friends  have  long  ceased  to  be  sur- 


520  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

prised  at  his  erratic  movements.  One  may  see  him  painting 
quietly  in  San  Francisco,  chatting  with  his  many  friends  in 
the  Bohemian  Club,  with  apparently  no  thought  other  than  re- 
maining around  such  pleasant  surroundings,  and  in  less  than 
a  fortnight  find  him  as  snugly  ensconced  in  a  studio  in  New 
York  as  if  he  had  never  known  any  other  environment.  He 
paints  with  great  nervous  energy,  his  restless  spirit  showing 
itself  in  every  stroke  of  his  brush,  and  he  frequently  finishes 
a  picture  at  one  sitting. 

Yet  this  rapidity  of  achievement  is  not  in  any  way  sug- 
gestive of  careless  work.  Rather,  it  is  the  impulse  of  genius, 
which  will  not  permit  rest  till  result  is  accomplished.  What- 
ever he  does,  wherever  his  restless  impulses  lead  him,  they 
have  never  marred  the  work  which  has  won  for  him  honorable 
fame.  His  touch  has  ever  a  sort  of  forceful  strength,  and  into 
all  his  work  is  woven  an  indefinable,  luring  grace  of  poetic 
charm  and  artistic  mystery,  which  is  entirely  his  own.  His 
pictures  have  great  variety  of  subject,  but  on  each  he  has  left 
the  impress  of  his  beauty-loving  nature. 

Although  a  native  of  California,  Mr.  Mersfelder  has  ex- 
hibited for  the  past  twenty  years  in  New  York  city,  in  the  So- 
ciety American  and  the  Academy,  and,  much  of  the  time,  has 
had  a  studio  in  that  city.  His  pictures  have  been  favorably 
received  at  some  of  the  most  exclusive  exhibits  in  this  coun- 
try, and  connoisseurs  everywhere  find  them  full  of  rare  charm. 


.  fuks 


pp 


>te       M^ 


MRS.  JULES  K.  MERSFELDER. 


ffiis.  fules  H. 


Among  the  earnest  students  and  most  promising  young 
artists  at  the  Chicago  Art  Institute,  probably  no  one  is  better 
or  more  favorably  known  than  is  Mrs.  Jules  K.  Mersfelder. 
However  honorable  a  pride  Mr.  Mersfelder  may  feel  in  his 
own  attainments,  none  who  know  him  but  will  say  that  his 
greatest  pride  and  delight  are  in  the  achievements  and  possi- 
bilities of  his  girlish  wife.  Louise  Wilcox  was  born  in  Chicago, 
and  has  received  her  education  here.  She  is  by  nature  a  thor- 
ough student,  and  whatever  interests  her  receives  the  most 
systematic  investigation  from  her.  This  habit,  which  is  one 
of  her  dominant  characteristics,  has  made  her  well  and  widely 
informed  on  many  and  differing  subjects.  Her  art  studies 
have  been  pursued  at  the  Art  Institute  under  the  direction  of 
Ralph  Clarkson  and  Mr.  Vanderpool,  both  of  whom  predict  a 
brilliant  future  for  the  persevering  and  talented  student.  She 
is  particularly  fond  of  painting  children  among  the  most  at- 
tractive out-of-door  environment,  but  she  also  paints  general 
portraits  and  landscapes  most  effectively.  One  of  the  young- 
est exhibitors  at  the  Art  Institute,  she  has  been  represented 
by  her  work  in  some  of  the  most  prominent  local  exhibits,  and 
has  received  very  complimentary  notices  from  some  of  the 
best  art  critics.  Very  ambitious,  with  lofty  ideals  and  con- 
ceptions of  possibilities,  Mrs.  Mersfelder  is  modest  and  un- 
affected to  a  remarkable  degree, 

O-iO 


524  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

While  her  beauty  wins  admiration  wherever  she  goes, 
she  seems  absolutely  unconscious  of  it,  indifferent— absorbed 
in  one  thought,  to  achieve  success  in  the  work  to  which  she  is 
devoting  her  life.  The  atmosphere  of  earnest  endeavor  which 
is  ever  about  her,  the  absence  of  anything  like  affectation,  have 
won  her  many  friends  among  artists  of  more  established  repu- 
tation, who  rejoice  in  her  successes  as  if  they  were  their  own. 
Her  work,  somehow,  has  the  stamp  of  her  own  individuality, 
and  there  is  a  sweetness  in  the  thought  of  the  artist  which 
reveals  itself  in  a  daintiness  of  coloring  and  a  grace  in  execu- 
tion which  appeal  to  the  heart.  She  has  been  to  California 
with  her  gifted  husband,  and  anticipates,  with  keen  pleasure, 
other  trips  to  the  land  of  sunshine  and  flowers.  Their  studio 
(which  has  in  it  but  little  of  their  work,  for  their  pictures 
find  ready  sale)  is  artistic  and  eloquent  of  the  taste  of  its  oc- 
cupants. Rare  hangings,  curios  of  many  a  sort,  cover  the 
walls  and  lie  about  the  room.  If  their  plans  materialize,  and 
they  should  remove  to  New  York,  where  Mr.  Mersfelder  has 
spent  many  years,  Chicago  will  lose  much.  Wherever  they 
may  be,  the  progress  of  the  young  artist  will  be  followed  with 
keen  interest,  while  Mr.  Mersfelder  adds  to  the  laurels  already 
his. 


Harriet  Uglria  Warner. 


uUV 

IIARKIET  LYDIA  WAKXER. 


iet  Ugtrta  Warner. 


It  is  interesting  to  observe  how  a  true  artist  will  impress 
a  community  and  obtain  recognition  as  such.  This  is  singu- 
larly true  of  Miss  Harriet  Lydia  Warner. 

She  was  born  in  Wilmington,  September  4,  1875.  Her 
father  was  Asa  Pomeroy  Warner  and  her  mother  Eliza  Gould 
Warner.  She  was  always  exceedingly  fond  of  music,  but  it 
was  not  until  1894  that  the  opportunity  to  begin  her  vocal 
studies  presented  itself. 

Coming  to  Chicago  in  1895,  she  accepted  a  position  as 
stenographer,  but  pursued  her  studies  evenings,  graduating 
with  high  honors  from  the  Chicago  Musical  College.  Her  in- 
structors have  been  Ortengren  and  Barabini.  Her  voice  is  a 
soprano,  of  rich  quality,  clear  tone  and  wide  range. 

To  her  work  as  a  student  she  brought  a  vast  deal  of  de- 
termination to  win  success,  perseverance  which  knew  no  flag- 
ging, real  love  for  music  of  the  highest  excellence,  and  the 
beautiful  voice  which  reveled  in  giving  utterance  to  the  choic- 
est gems  of  the  song-world.  Thus  equipped,  it  was  only  to  be 
expected  that  success  woiild  crown  her  efforts.  She  obtained 
a  position  as  soprano  in  the  Union  Park  Congregational 
Church  choir,  one  of  the  most  desirable  choir  positions  in  Chi- 
cago. Later  she  connected  herself  with  a  company  which 
was  giving  the  opera  "  II  Trovatore,"  and  gained  much  popu- 
larity bv  her  rendering  of  the  soprano  part. 

527 


528  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

Although  the  company  was  amateur,  yet  competent  critics 
from  St.  Louis  and  Chicago  gave  Miss  Warner  credit  for  hav- 
ing taken  the  difficult  role  of  Leonora  with  a  cleverness  and 
finish  Worthy  of  the  best  among  high-class  professionals. 
Everywhere,  when  this  company  appeared,  the  papers  were 
most  enthusiastic  in  their  praise  of  Miss  Warner,  and  many 
have  predicted  for  her  most  brilliant  success  as  a  prima  donna 
within  the  next  few  years. 

Her  home  has  been  for  some  time  past,  and  is  now,  in 
Joliet,  111.,  and  there  she  has  done  much  towards  inspiring 
and  preserving  interest  in  music  and  musical  enterprises. 
She  is  the  leader  of  a  church  choir  in  Joliet,  and  has  proved 
herself  not  only  a  fine  teacher  but  a  most  successful  leader  as 
well.  Those  know  best  who  have  had  experience  how  many 
and  apparently  insurmountable  are  the  difficulties  which  pre- 
sent themselves  to  the  leader  of  a  church  choir.  Not  only  is  a 
knowledge  of  music  necessary  but  a  vast  deal  of  tact,  the  in- 
born gift  of  leadership  and  a  magnetic  presence,  are  quite  as 
essential  to  insure  success.  That  Miss  Warner  holds  this 
position  to  the  delight  of  her  audiences  is  a  most  compli- 
mentary tribute  to  her  ability  as  a  musician  and  her  genius 
as  a  leader.  As  a  singer,  as  a  teacher  and  in  her  connection 
with  this  choir  she  has  proved  herself  both  talented  and  gen- 
erally capable. 


,  Hatoson  Armstrong. 


WM.  DAWSOX  ARMSTRONG. 


Militant  IB.  Armstrong. 


William  Dawson  Armstrong,  possibly  best  known  to  the 
Dublic  as  a  musical  composer,  was  born  February  11,  1868,  in 

lAlton,  111.,  where  he  still  resides.  He  received  his  education 
in  the  schools  of  his  native  city,  but  early  began  the  study  of 

[music,  which  he  prosecuted  zealously  under  many  teachers. 
Among  them  may  be  mentioned  Mr.  Charles  Kunkel ;  E.  R. 

I  Kroeger,  of  St.  Louis,  Mo. ;  Clarence  Eddy,  of  Chicago ;  the 
late  Dr.  G.  M.  Garrett,  of  Cambridge,  England.  His  has  been 
a  busy  life.  He  was  instructor  in  the  Forest  Park  University, 
St.  Louis,  Mo.,  1891-1892,  and  at  present  is  Musical  Director 
of  Shurtleff  College,  Upper  Alton,  111.,  and  Professor  in 
charge  of  the  music  of  the  Western  Military  Academy,  of  the 
same  place,  1892-1903. 

He  was  organist  of  the  Church  of  the  Reedemer,  St. 
Louis,  Mo.,  1894-1898,  and  also  organist  of  the  Church  of  the 
Unity,  St.  Louis,  Mo.  From  1900-1902  he  was  President  of 
the  Illinois  State  Music  Teachers'  Association;  from  1901- 
1903  President  of  the  musical  section  of  the  Illinois  Teachers' 
Association,  at  the  same  time  State  Vice-President  for  Illinois 
of  the  National  Music  Teachers'  Association.  He  has  ap- 
peared with  success  both  as  concert  organist  and  pianist,  and 
has  made  a  specialty  of  teaching. 

While  he  is  widely  known  as  a  musical  composer,  he  has 

531 


532  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

also  contributed  literary  articles  to  the  leading  musical  maga- 
zines. He  has  written  in  nearly  all  the  smaller  and  larger 
forms  of  composition,  for  orchestra,  piano,  organ  and  the 
voice.  Most  of  the  larger  works  are  in  manuscript,  includ- 
ing "  The  Spectre  Bridegroom,''  an  opera  first  presented  in 
St.  Louis,  Mo.,  with  Grace  StiTddiford  in  the  title  role,  an 
overture  for  orchestra,  "  From  the  Old  World,"  also  string 
quartettes,  trios,  etc. 

His  works  have  been  published  by  every  leading  music 
house  in  the  United  States,  by  Breitkopf  &  Hartel,  Leipsig, 
Germany,  and  Novello,  Ewer  &  Co.,  London,  England;  but 
only  a  very  incomplete  list  of  them  can  be  given  here. 

Among  his  sacred  compositions  we  find  "A  Choral  Even- 
ing Service  in  A,"  "  I  Will  Not  Leave  You  Comfortless  "  and 
"  Resurrection."  For  the  organ,  "A  Pastoral  Prelude," 
"  Contemplation,"  "  Slumber  Song,"  and  many  others.  He 
has  also  written  for  the  piano  and  violin,  piano  duetts,  quar- 
tettes for  mixed  voices,  and,  in  fact,  every  variety  of  musical 
composition.  From  a  long  list  of  piano  solos  which  have  re- 
ceived flattering  notice  from  eminent  authors,  we  mention 
"A  Night  in  Venice,"  "  To  the  Spring,"  "Elegy,"  "  Souvenir 
of  Verona,"  "  Gavotte  in  B  flat,"  "An  Evening  Song," 
"  Polonaise  "  and  "  Nocturne."  His  songs  are  of  infinite 
variety,  gay  and  sad,  dramatic  and  descriptive,  with  many  of 
the  sweetest  ballads  ever  written.  We  give  the  names  of  a 
few— "  Waiting,"  "A  Life's  Lesson,"  "Tell  Me,  Dearest 
Maiden,"  "  The  Return,"  etc. 

Mr.  Armstrong's  compositions  are  sure  to  find  recog- 
nition everywhere  among  the  lovers  of  true  music. 


EDWARD  BAKKTC. 


Bafcer, 


Brierly  Hill,  England,  was  the  birthplace  of  Edward 
Baker,  but  when  he  was  quite  young  he  came  to  America,  and 
has  spent  so  much  of  his  time  on  this  continent  that  he  can 
be  really  accounted  an  American. 

Very  early  in  life  he  showed  decided  talent  for  musical 
achievement,  and  received  his  first  training  on  the  piano  and 
organ  from  teachers  in  Joliet  and  Chicago. 

In  his  playing,  even  in  the  beginning  of  his  life  as  a 
student  of  music,  were  found  the  same  delicacy  of  coloring 
and  wonderful  comprehension  of  theme  which  characterize 
his  later  work.  This  is  intuitive.  The  teacher's  realm,  how- 
ever well  equipped  that  teacher  may  be,  is  to  a  certain  ex- 
tent circumscribed.  He  can  impart  knowledge  and  technique, 
he  can  direct  musical  tastes,  but  this  peculiar  artist-touch 
is  born,  not  taught. 

This  Mr.  Baker  possesses  in  a  pre-eminent  degree,  and  it 
is  the  potent  charm  of  his  work  as  a  pianist.  For  several  years 
he  was  the  organist  of  Christ  Church,  Joliet,  which  position 
he  filled  to  the  delight  of  his  audiences.  He  enjoyed  organ 
playing,  but  feeling  that  to  achieve  the  success  he  coveted  he 
must  make  a  choice  of  instruments,  he  has  for  years  devoted 
himself  to  the  perfecting  of  his  piano  work. 

Recently  he  returned  from  an  extended  trip  in  Europe, 

535 


536  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

where  he  studied  under  most  eminent  teachers.  Among  them 
may  be  mentioned  Pauey,  the  renowned  pianist,  and  L.  Emil 
Bach,  who  was  a  favorite  pupil  of  the  immortal  Liszt,  and 
Kullac,  and  was  on  terms  of  close  friendship  with  Luigi  Ar- 
detti,  the  eminent  conductor  and  composer,  and  Joseph  Holl- 
man,  the  well-known  'cellist.  After  devoting  some  time  to 
study,  the  most  rigorous  and  exacting,  Mr.  Baker  began  a  con- 
cert career.  His  first  success  as  a  pianist  in  England,  the 
land  of  his  birth,  was  in  London.  Among  other  concerts  at 
which  he  played  with  most  gratifying  result  was  one  in  Wind- 
sor, which  was  patronized  by  royalty.  Wherever  Mr.  Baker 
has  played  he  has  obtained  most  pronounced  recognition  as  a 
pianist  of  rare  promise. 

As  before  intimated,  the  great  charm  of  his  playing  lies 
in  the  peculiar  coloring  of  tone,  the  beautiful  effects  of  light 
and  shade,  the  sympathetic  touch,  which  bring  him  at  once  en 
rapport  with  his  audience,  however  critical.  Possibly  as 
marked  a  characteristic  of  Mr.  Baker  is  his  absolute  ease  of 
manner  at  the  piano.  No  matter  how  difficult  a  number  he 
plays,  it  is  played  with  a  freedom  from  mannerism  and  an  ease 
of  manner  which  have  their  own  charm  for  any  audience.  Mr. 
Baker  has  a  most  excellent  testimonial  from  Mr.  Bach,  whose 
requirements  of  his  pupils  are  most  .severe.  Mr.  Bach  char- 
acterizes him  as  an  earnest  pupil,  a  brilliant  pianist  and  a 
most  conscientious  teacher. 


33. 


JOHN  B.  BAKXABY. 


For  some  years  past  Springfield,  111.,  has  been  the  home 
of  John  B.  Barnaby,  an  accomplished  musician,  a  fine  singer 
and  a  most  successful  teacher. 

Mr.  Barnaby  was  born  in  Halifax,  Nova  Scotia,  in  1863. 
His  education  was  received  in  Nova  Scotia,  although  he  lived 
for  some  time  in  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  and  in  Annapolis,  Nova 
Scotia.  Music  had  always  great  charm  for  him,  and  he  de- 
termined not  to  be  satisfied  until  he  had  had  the  advantages  of 
study  not  only  with  the  best  masters  at  home  but  with  those 
abroad. 

His  voice  is  a  baritone,  of  great  richness  and  sweetness  of 
tone,  and  he  has  conscientiously  improved  the  rare  oppor- 
tunities he  has  had  of  cultivating  and  developing  it.  He  sings 
so  exceedingly  well  that  he  might  have  made  a  great  success  in 
the  concert-room.  This,  however,  was  not  his  aim  in  devoting 
years  to  musical  study. 

Realizing  how  many  voices  are  ruined  by  lack  of  proper 
treatment,  he  was  ambitious  to  excel  as  a  teacher,  and  devoted 
himself  with  enthusiasm  to  gleaning  the  best  ideas  from  va- 
rious methods  for  his  own  use. 

He  began  his  musical  studies  in  his  native  city,  and 
then  went  to  Philadelphia,  Pa.;  afterward  to  Italy;  later  to 

London,  and  last  to  Paris,    Wherever  he  was,  he  was  never 

539 


540  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

satisfied  with  anything  but  the  best  instruction,  and  the  years 
devoted  to  study  with  the  great  teachers  of  the  day  are  among 
the  most  cherished  memories  of  his  life.  Among  his  vocal 
teachers  may  be  named  the  following— Lacey  Baker,  of  Phila- 
delphia, Pa.;  William  Shakspeare  and  Signer  Alberto  Ran- 
degger,  London,  England;  Signor  Cortesi,  Florence,  Italy, 
and  Mons.  Jacques  Bonby,  Paris,  France.  About  ten  years 
ago  he  went  to  Springfield,  111.,  where  he  still  resides.  He  is 
a  teacher  of  voice  culture  and  the  art  of  singing,  and  has  been 
eminently  successful  in  his  work.  He  has  started  in  their  ca- 
reer and  encouraged  in  their  ambitions  several  well-known 
public  singers,  and  has  as  great  pride  in  their  successes  as  if 
they  were  his  own. 

In  addition  to  his  work  as  a  teacher,  he  is  organist  of 
Christ  Episcopal  Church,  of  Springfield,  and  has  always  a 
most  excellent  choir  of  mixed  voices,  which  he  leads,  feeling 
great  satisfaction  in  the  work  which  they  do.  He  has  gath- 
ered about  him  a  large  class  of  students,  not  only  from  Spring- 
field but  adjacent  towns  as  well.  The  enthusiasm  of  his 
pupils  is  a  most  eloquent  testimonial  to  his  popularity  as  a 
teacher. 

He  usually  spends  his  summers  abroad,  sometimes  devot- 
ing the  months  to  study,  for  he  is  still  an  earnest  student  and 
anxious  to  take  advantage  of  everything  new  in  his  chosen 
profession.  Often,  however,  he  finds  needed  rest  and  great 
pleasure  in  spending  the  months  in  travel,  always  returning 
with  added  zeal  to  his  work. 


JFrancis 


F1UXCIS  CAMPBELL. 


Jfratws 


Francis  Campbell,  basso  cantante,  conductor  and  teacher 
of  singing,  received  his  first  musical  education  in  his  native 
city,  Detroit,  Mich.  From  Detroit  he  went  to  London,  Eng- 
land, entering  there  the  Royal  Academy  of  Music,  and  be- 
coming a  pupil  of  Duvivier  and  Holland.  He  also  studied 
harmony  and  counterpoint  with  the  late  Sir  George  MacFar- 
ren.  Ambitious  for  further  opportunity  for  musical  culture, 
he  next  became  a  pupil  of  Yannuccini,  in  Florence,  Italy,  and 
spent  the  following  year  in  Bologna,  devoting  his  time  to  voice 
culture  with  Briganti-Mobile,  and  composition  with  Busi. 
While  in  Italy  Mr.  Campbell  sang  with  success  in  many  con- 
certs and  recitals.  After  returning  to  America  he  settled  in 
Grand  Rapids,  Mich.,  where  he  has  been  a  most  successful 
singer,  teacher  and  conductor.  Throughout  the  Middle- 
West,  both  in  concert  work  and  oratorio,  he  has  become 
very  favorably  known,  and  has  been  continuously  engaged 
in  church  choirs.  His  pupils  are  the  most  eloquent  tes- 
timonials to  his  success  as  a  teacher,  many  of  them  being 
professional  singers,  and  several  of  them  on  the  operatic 
stage.  As  a  conductor  he  has  proved  his  marked  efficiency. 
The  Schubert  Club,  a  male  chorus  of  sixty  voices,  has  become, 
under  his  direction,  one  of  the  finest  mannerchors  in  the  West. 

At  its  semi-annual  concerts  some  of  the  finest  artists  on  the 

543 


544  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

concert  stage  have  appeared.  Mr.  Campbell  has  written  some 
beautiful  songs,  and  has  also  composed  work  in  larger  forms, 
notably  two  cantatas,  "  Saint  Brandan,"  for  baritone  solo 
and  male  chorus,  the  words  being  the  striking  poem  of  Mat- 
thew Arnold,  and  Kipling's  "  The  Bell  Buoy  "  for  men's 
voices. 

The  autumn  of  1902  found  Mr.  Campbell  located  in  Chi- 
cago, where  he  is  rapidly  gaining  for  himself  a  place  in 
the  foremost  rank  as  both  singer  and. teacher.  His  studio 
work  has  obtained  recognition  as  honest  and  of  the  very  high- 
est endeavor.  The  results  of  this  effort  are  being  daily  ex- 
emplified in  the  healthy  progress  made  by  his  large  and  con- 
stantly increasing  class  in  vocal  culture. 

Mr.  Campbell  may  be  called  a  many-sided  artist,  since 
in  few  are  united  a  fine  conductor,  a  delightful  singer  and  an 
able  composer.  As  a  teacher  he  wins  the  confidence  of  his 
pupils,  as  a  conductor  he  is  an  inspiration  to  his  chorus,  as  a 
singer  he  charms  his  audience,  and  as  a  composer  he  is  win- 
ning his  way  to  fame.  While  ambitious  in  his  own  special 
lines  of  work,  laudable  public  musical  enterprises  and  work 
interest  and  appeal  to  him. 

Already,  though  his  residence  in  Chicago  is  compara- 
tively brief,  he  has  become  identified  with  them  to  some  ex- 
tent. This  will  be  shown  by  the  fact  that  Mr.  Campbell  is  one 
of  the  faculty  of  the  Bush  Temple  Conservatory. 


Jfirs.  Hastorll  &•  Bonftdtr, 


MHS.  HASWELL  T.  BOXFIELD. 


This  is  an  age  when  women  are  making  history  as  never 
before.  Identifying  themselves  enthusiastically  with  uplift- 
ing effort  in  every  direction,  music  and  art  are  receiving  an 
impetus  never  before  felt,  and  that  the  results  will  be  far- 
reaching  and  satisfactory  none  can  doubt. 

Kankakee  has  been  for  the  past  twelve  years  intermit- 
tently the  residence  of  Mrs.  Haswell  T.  Bonfield,  and  to  her  in- 
fluence owes  much  of  the  progress  made  in  that  time  in  its 
musical  status.  Mrs.  Bonfield  was  the  daughter  of  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  A.  M.  Brobst,  and  was  born  in  Knoxville,  Iowa. 

Her  early  education  was  recived  at  the  Knox  Conserva- 
tory of  Music,  in  Galesburg,  111.,  from  which  she  was  grad- 
uated under  Prof.  Wm.  F.  Bentley,  Director.  She  has  also 
had  the  advantage  of  being  under  the  tutelage  of  William  H. 
Sherwood  and  Eleanor  Sherwood,  of  Chicago,  and  further 
studied  under  Hambourg,  the  father  of  Mark  Hambourg,  in 
London,  England.  Teaching,  organ-playing  and  co-opera- 
tion with  musical  clubs  and  various  musical  enterprises  have 
absorbed  the  time  and  energies  of  this  talented  and  cultivated 
musician. 

She  lived  in  Kewanee,  111.,  where  for  two  years  she  played 
the  pipe  organ  in  the  Congregational  Church,  and  for  a  time 

lived  in  Cambridge,  111.    In  both  Kewanee  and  Cambridge,  in 

547 


548  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

additon  to  her  other  work,  she  was  supervisor  of  music  in  pub- 
lic schools. 

For  three  years  she  resided  in  Burlington,  Iowa,  where 
she  played  the  pipe  organ  in  the  Congregational  and  Baptist 
churches,  and  was  prominent  in  the  Woman's  Musical  Club. 
The  years  1899  to  1902  found  her  Director  of  the  Burling- 
ton School  of  Music,  and  her  departure  was  recognized  as  a 
great  loss  in  musical  circles.  Since  her  residence  in  Kankakee 
Mrs.  Bonfield  has  not  only  devoted  herself  to  her  special  work 
as  a  teacher  and  to  local  musical  enterprises,  but  has  taken  a 
keen  interest  in  State  and  national  musical  affairs.  She  is  a 
member  of  the  National  Music  Teachers'  Association  as  well 
as  of  the  State  Association  in  Illinois. 

During  the  years  1896-97  she  taught  in  the  Kankakee 
Conservatory  of  Music,  and  at  the  same  time  was  organist  for 
the  First  M.  E.  Church.  In  1897,  as  Vice-President  for  Kan- 
kakee County,  she  secured  for  Kankakee  the  meeting  of  the 
Illinois  State  Music  Teachers'  Convention.  She  is  a  member 
of  the  Euterpean  Club  and  the  Woman's  Club,  taking  an  ac- 
tive interest  in  the  work  done  by  both  of  these  clubs.  In  the 
Euterpean  Club  she  holds  the  office  of  Grand  Matron.  In  the 
Woman's  Club  she  is  chairman  of  its  Musical  Department, 
and,  bringing  to  this  work  the  results  of  her  experience,  culti- 
vation and  the  advantages  accruing  to  her  from  residence 
abroad,  she  is  stimulating  this  department  to  work  with  high- 
est ambitions  and  advanced  ideals. 


Jfames 


JAMES  COUKTLAND  COOPER. 


Ifanws 


James  Courtland  Cooper  was  born  in  Antioch,  111.,  in 
1855,  the  gifted  son  of  Wm.  and  Julia  Farnsworth  Cooper. 
He  early  began  the  study  of  music  under  the  old  Italian 
master,  Leo  Kofler,  who  was  a  pupil  of  Charles  Otto.  After 
seven  years  of  study  with  Kofler  he  began  teaching  in  New 
York.  He  was  eminently  successful  as  a  teacher,  and  his 
wonderful  voice  soon  gained  him  a  most  enviable  reputation 
as  a  singer.  Mr.  Cooper  has  that  most  rare  of  gifts,  a  pure 
robusto  tenor  voice.  His  voice  has  remarkable  power,  and  at 
the  same  time  most  enchanting  sweetness  of  tone,  and  the 
range  of  his  voice  is  extraordinary.  Three  octaves  are  within 
very  easy  compass  for  him.  With  this  wonderful  voice  he 
felt  that  he  had  much  to  expect  when  he  should  decide  to  ap- 
pear in  opera,  a  life  which  appealed  to  him  most  strongly. 
After  teaching  a  few  years  he  had  partially  completed  a  con- 
tract for  the  grand  opera  when  his  throat  began  to  trouble 
him.  On  examination  a  tumor  was  discovered  on  the  right 
vocal  chord,  being  the  fourth  case  of  the  kind  mentioned  in 
medical  history  and  the  first  ever  known  in  the  throat  of  a 
singer.  Thwarted  thus  in  the  beginning  of  what  promised  to 
be  a  most  brilliant  career,  he  was  in  the  hands  of  the  most 
eminent  scientists  of  the  day— the  wonderful  voice  was  si- 
lenced and  cure  seemed  the  impossible. 


552  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

After  many  operations  and  all  these  years  of  suffering 
his  voice  was  completely  restored,  and  to-day  is  as  great  a 
marvel  and  delight  to  those  who  hear  him  sing  as  ever.  These 
years,  however,  had  been  years  of  study  and  research,  and  the 
ambitions  of  life  were  changed  as  the  result  of  this  experi- 
ence. Sympathizing  with  those  who  from  any  cause  might 
find  their  voices  leaving  them,  knowing  from  his  own  experi- 
ence how  overwhelming  was  such  a  calamity,  he  decided  to 
devote  his  life  in  connection  with  teaching  to  the  restoring  and 
building  of  voices,  and  in  this  he  has  had  a  wonderful  success. 
He  came  in  1901  to  Chicago,  and  has  remained  there,  being 
at  present  located  in  Steinway  Hall,  in  that  city. 

Enthusiastic  in  his  profession,  full  of  sympathy  and  pos- 
sessed of  most  magnetic  presence,  Mr.  Cooper  is  making  him- 
self a  power  in  the  musical  circles  of  Chicago.  He  has  been 
very  successful  as  a  teacher,  having  prepared  for  light  opera 
several  singers  of  note.  He  uses  the  old  Italian  method,  and 
he  has  achieved  wonders  in  the  treatment  of  those  whose  voices 
seemed  utterly  to  have  left  them. 


MISS  MAUD  CHAPPELLE. 


Of  a  musical  family,  endowed  with  a  beautiful  voice  and 
charming  personality,  Miss  Maud  Chappelle  has  made  for 
herself  a  place  among  the  very  first  young  musicians  of  Chi- 
cago. 

She  was  born  in  Wisconsin,  and  received  her  education 
at  the  Seminary  of  the  Sacred  Heart,  in  Chicago,  afterwards 
studying  with  the  best  vocal  instructors  in  New  York  and 
Boston.  Miss  Chappelle  has  traveled  extensively,  and  is 
well  known  as  a  most  delightful  contralto  soloist  in  the  lead- 
ing cities  of  the  United  States,  especially  in  New  York, 
Chicago  and  San  Francisco.  In  the  latter  city  she  occupied, 
for  some  years,  the  position  of  .soloist  in  the  Temple  Eman- 
uel  and  in  St.  Paul's  Episcopal  Church.  After  leaving  San 
Francisco,  she  was  engaged  in  concert  work  in  New  York 
and  various  cities  in  the  East.  Chicago  became  her  choice 
as  her  field  for  teaching,  and  she  has  attained  great  suc- 
cess. Her  graduate  pupils  are  in  demand  among  operatic 
managers,  by  whom  her  method  of  inculcation  is  highly  com- 
mended. In  addition  to  her  work  as  an  instructor,  she  is 
largely  engaged  in  church  solo  work  and  concert  tours.  Her 
Alma  Mater  claims  a  portion  of  her  time  as  a  vocal  teacher. 
From  the  press,  wherever  she  has  sung,  she  has  received  the 

most  flattering  notices,  from  a  few  of  which  we  quote.    The 

555 


556  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

Musical  Courier,  of  New  York,  said:  "  Miss  Chappelle  has  a 
voice  of  excellent  quality,  of  true  contralto  character,  vibrant 
and  powerful,  with  great  carrying  capacity.  It  is  trained 
with  the  utmost  care,  showing  in  its  effect  thorough  schooling 
and  a  method  that  produces  gratifying  results.  She  sings 
with  intelligent  comprehension  of  the  subject,  giving  poetic 
interpretations,  aided  by  a  clear  enunciation,  and  having  tem- 
perament, she  gives  an  interesting  account  of  herself  in  songs 
of  the  highest  standard.  Singers  of  that  calibre  are  rare,  and 
there  is  a  great  chance  for  Miss  Chappelle."  The  New  York 
Herald  said:  "  Miss  Chappelle  is  gifted  with  a  marvelous  con- 
tralto voice,  pure  in  tone  and  wide  in  range."  The  New  York 
Journal  gave  this  notice:  "  The  solo  work  of  Miss  Chappelle 
won  the  warmest  applause.  She  possesses  a  phenomenal  con- 
tralto voice  and  a  charming  personality."  The  San  Fran- 
cisco Town  Talk  wrote  of  the  "  immense  popularity  of  Miss 
Chappelle  "  and  "  her  sweet  and  silvery  voice."  An  Oak- 
land (Cal.)  paper,  The  Times,  said:  "  Miss  Chappelle's  sing- 
ing was  a  splendid  ensample  of  sustained  dramatic  work,  de- 
livered in  a  broad  style,  with  an  organ  of  great  power,  well 
phrased  and  with  perfect  enunciation.  Her  reception  was  a 
genuine  ovation."  This  endorsement  from  the  two  coasts  is 
supplemented  by  that  of  every  audience  before  which  she  has 
appeared,  and  she  is  daily  adding  to  her  laurels  in  her  studio 
and  her  varied  work  before  the  public. 


(grace  Clifott 


GRACE  ELLIOTT  DUDLEY. 


(ftrace  (Elliott  Dutrleg. 


A  Chicago  girl,  who  is  slowly  but  steadily  winning  her 
way  to  recognition  in  the  best  musical  circles  and  work  of 
Illinois,  is  Miss  Grace  Elliott  Dudley,  who  was  born  in  Chi- 
cago, February  7, 1879,  and  has  made  this  city  her  home  most 
of  her  life.  She  received  her  education  and  musical  training 
in  her  native  city,  and  is  an  example  of  the  fact  that  real 
talent  need  not  go  away  from  Chicago  to  find  development. 
Her  first  teacher  was  Noyes  B.  Minor,  of  the  American  Con- 
servatory, in  Kimball  Hall,  in  which  school  she  has  received 
her  entire  musical  education. 

On  account  of  his  failing  health,  she  continued  her  work 
with  Karleton  S.  Hackett,  with  whom  she  studied  from  1896- 
1900.  She  also  studied  the  piano  with  Mrs.  Gertrude  H. 
Murdough,  and  harmony  with  Mr.  Adolph  Weidig.  In  1896 
she  won  the  second  medal  in  the  Academic  Department  of  the 
Conservatory,  and  in  1898  the  highest  gold  medal  in  the  Col- 
legiate Department.  Since  1897  she  has  sung  in  choirs  and 
given  recitals  in  Chicago  and  other  cities.  In  1901  she  went 
to  Jacksonville,  111.,  to  take  charge  of  the  Vocal  Department 
in  the  Illinois  Conservatory  of  Music  in  connection  with  the 
Jacksonville  Female  Academy,  the  oldest  women's  school  in 
the  West. 

For  two  years  she  has  held  this  position,  and  this  fall,  as 

559 


560  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

the  Conservatory  and  Academy  have  been  merged  into  the  Illi- 
nois College,  in  Jacksonville— an  affiliated  school  of  the  Uni- 
versity of  Chicago— she  returns  to  take  charge  of  the  music  in 
the  college,  a  great  compliment  to  one  of  her  years.  She  has 
been  the  soprano  in  the  Presbyterian  church  during  her  resi- 
dence in  Jacksonville,  and  returns  to  take  a  similar  position 
in  the  Congregational  church  the  coming  year.  Her  hope  is 
that  in  the  early  future  she  may  be  able  to  discontinue  teach- 
ing and  devote  herself  entirely  to  oratorio  work,  for  which 
she  is  peculiarly  well  fitted.  "We  cull  a  few  lines  at  random 
from  the  many  flattering  press  notices  which  she  has  received 
whenever  she  has  sung:  "  Miss  Dudley's  voice  is  a  soprano 
of  wide  range  and  beautiful  quality,  brilliant,  but  not  at  the 
expense  of  sympathy;"  "  The  more  frequently  Jacksonville 
people  hear  Miss  Dudley's  voice  the  more  are  they  wedded 
to  it  in  admiration.  Power,  sympathy  and  exquisiteness  of 
tone  characterize  her  voice." 

Miss  Dudley  seems  to  have  music  in  her  soul,  and  when 
she  sings  there  are  beauty  and  grace  in  every  note.  She  sings 
with  the  confidence  and  ease  born  of  thorough  ability.  At 
recitals  given  at  Lake  Forest,  Champaign,  Springfield  and 
Decatur,  111.,  she  made  herself  at  once  a  favorite.  Perhaps 
Miss  Dudley  has  no  greater  charm  than  the  modesty  with 
which  she  accepts  the  honors  showered  upon  her  in  her  short 
musical  career.  This  bespeaks  the  true  artist,  in  its  way,  as 
much  as  do  the  beautiful  voice  and  musical  taste. 


Jfratws 


FRANCIS  J.  HAYXES. 


Jfrands 


Francis  J.  Haynes  is  a  musician  of  unusually  wide  cul- 
ture, and  is  distinguished  not  only  as  a  vocal  teacher  of  merit 
but  as  a  fine  conductor,  and  the  composer  of  some  most  excel- 
lent music.  He  was  born  in  Hudson,  Michigan,  October  26, 
1867.  His  parents  were  Orlando  W.  and  Ursula  A.  Haynes. 

Most  of  his  life  has  been  passed  in  his  native  State,  where 
he  obtained  his  education.  Hillsdale  College,  in  Hillsdale, 
Mich.,  is  his  Alma  Mater,  and  M.  W.  Chase,  of  Hillsdale,  one 
of  his  earliest  teachers  in  music,  to  which  he  was  devoted  from 
an  early  age.  He  also  studied  music  with  John  Murray  Mer- 
rill, of  Lansing,  Mich.,  and  later  with  Signer  A.  Marescalchi, 
of  Chicago,  111.  Besides  his  native  town,  he  has  lived  at  vari- 
ous times  in  Morris,  111.,  and  in  Warren  and  Youngstown, 
Ohio.  For  the  past  three  years  his  home  has  been  in  Streator, 
111.,  where  he  has  most  thoroughly  and  satisfactorily  identified 
himself  with  the  best  musical  life  and  effort  of  the  city. 

Mr.  Haynes  has  charge  of  the  vocal  department  in  the 
Streator  Conservatory  of  Music,  giving  his  attention  not  only 
to  voice  culture  but  to  the  teaching  of  the  theory  of  music 
and  composition.  His  success  as  a  teacher  has  been  most  de- 
cided, and  his  services  as  conductor  have  also  been  in  requisi- 
tion. 

The  Ladies'  Lyric  Club,  of  Streator,  is  a  musical  society 

563 


564  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

of  twenty-four  solo  voices,  which  is  doing  artistic  work  in  a 
creditable  manner.  They  count  themselves  fortunate  to  have 
been  able  to  secure  the  services  of  Mr.  Haynes  as  their  director. 
In  his  method  of  teaching  Mr.  Haynes  is  in  many  ways  orig- 
inal. He  does  not  believe  in  being  imitative,  but  rather  in  en- 
couraging pupils  to  think  for  themselves  and  gain  knowledge 
by  hard  work  and  persistent  effort.  His  own  career  is  an 
example  of  the  possibilites  which  such  work  can  achieve,  as 
he  has  always  been  not  only  an  enthusiastic  but  an  earnest  and 
thoughtful  student. 

As  a  composer  Mr.  Haynes  has  made  a  success,  of  which 
he  is  justly  proud.  He  has  written  a  number  of  compositions, 
nearly  all  vocal.  They  are  songs,  part-songs,  quartettes  for 
male  and  female  voices  and  chorus  anthems. 

Although  still  a  comparatively  young  man,  Mr.  Haynes 
has  always  influenced  the  best  musical  circles  wherever  he  has 
lived.  He  has  given  not  a  little  time  and  attention  to  con- 
ducting choruses,  a  line  of  work  for  which  he  has  great  apti-  . 
tude.  The  fact  that  Mr.  Haynes'  education  has  been  entirely 
received  in  this  country  proves  that  it  is  possible  for  an 
American  who  is  devoted  to  his  art  to  attain  success  in  the 
highest  degree  by  embracing  the  opportunities  which  his  own 
land  affords  for  a  musical  education. 


JFvcfrcnc 


FREDERIC  IIK.XKK. 


JFrtlrmc 


One  of  Aurora's  best-known  musicians  is  Mr.  Frederic 
Henke,  who,  while  still  in  his  early  twenties,  gained  for  him- 
self an  enviable  reputation  as  a  violinist.  He  inherits  his 
musical  talents  from  his  father,  Mr.  William  Henke,  who,  in 
his  younger  days,  was  an  organist  and  violinist  of  more  than 
ordinary  ability. 

Mr.  Frederic  Henke  was  born  in  Aurora,  111.,  in  1878,  and 
has  always  lived  in  that  city  lying  so  picturesquely  by  the  Fox 
River. 

He  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  Aurora.  Al- 
ways passionately  fond  of  music,  he  determined  to  perfect 
himself,  as  far  as  possible,  as  a  violinist.  Early  he  felt  the 
necessity  for  instruction  such  as  he  could  not  receive  in  Au- 
rora. He  sought  the  best  methods,  the  most  thorough  disci- 
pline ;  he  wanted  to  listen  to  artists  and  have  the  inspiration 
of  their  presence  and  tuition.  He  studied  with  Earl  Drake, 
T.  Spiering  and  with  Max  Bendix,  who  will  accept  no  one  as 
a  pupil  unless  he  possesses  exceptional  talent  and  ability. 
After  his  work  with  Max  Bendix,  Mr.  Henke 's  musical  friends 
noted  great  improvement  in  his  work,  and  felt  he  was  truly 
proving  himself  an  artist.  His  playing  is  a  delight  to  all  who 
hear  him.  His  tone  is  broad  as  well  as  delicate  and  musical. 

His  bowing  is  smooth,  strong  and  graceful;    his    fingering 

507 


508  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

steady,  yet  free  and  flexible.  In  additon  to  his  strength  and 
smoothness  of  execution  there  is  a  masterly  conception  and  in- 
terpretation of  whatever  theme  he  renders,  which  assure  his 
success  as  a  musician. 

He  began  to  teach  when  only  eighteen  years  of  age,  and 
his  ambition  was  to  found,  in  his  native  city,  a  musical  school 
which  should  win  for  itself  a  reputable  place  among  like 
schools  in  the  State.  At  length  the  opportune  time  came,  and 
he  had  the  coveted  pleasure  of  aiding  in  the  founding  of  the 
Aurora  School  of  Music.  For  four  years  he  was  its  principal 
instructor  for  violin  pupils,  and  made  for  himself,  not  only 
in  that  connection  but  among  many  pupils  outside  of  the 
school,  a  most  enviable  reputation  for  his  excellence  as  a 
teacher. 

While  his  playing  indicates  under  what  artist  he  has 
studied,  he  still  preserves  his  own  individuality  in  the  inter- 
pretation of  themes.  This  characteristic  he  endeavors  to 
maintain  in  his  pupils,  believing  it  an  absolute  necessity  to 
produce  the  best  results. 

Mr.  Henke  is  a  valued  member  of  the  Dorthick  Club,  of 
the  Alice  L.  Doty  Trio,  the  Symphony  Club  and  the  Chicago 
Musical  Club,  and  is  gaining  favorable  comment  in  both  con- 
cert-and  recital  work. 

Those  who  know  Mr.  Henke  best  in  his  work,  both  as  an 
artist  and  as  a  teacher,  predict  large  things  for  him  in  the  line 
of  his  chosen  profession. 


Eatfjcrme 


CATHERINE   HOWAED. 


Hatljerinc  jO|otoarlr. 


Nothing  marks  more  definitely  the  progress  of  music  and 
art  in  America  than  the  fact  that  in  the  ranks  of  those  who 
have  had  no  educational  advantages,  except  those  obtained  in 
their  native  land,  are  found  some  of  our  best  artists.  Talent, 
which  is  not  the  gift  of  any  one  country,  developed  by  Amer- 
ican teachers  who  are  not  surpassed  anywhere,  and  aided  by 
indomitable  American  perseverance,  is  achieving  results 
which  obtain  recognition  for  American  musicians,  painters 
and  sculptors  everywhere. 

Katherine  Howard,  who  was  born  in  Aurora,  111.,  and 
who  has  received  her  education  along  all  lines  entirely  in  her 
native  State,  is  a  very  notable  example  of  such  success.  Her 
early  training  was  received  in  the  schools  of  West  Aurora, 
where  she  graduated  from  the  High  School.  Fond  of  music, 
she  began  the  study  of  both  the  piano  and  organ,  and  has  had 
the  advantage  of  tuition  from  the  best  teachers  in  Illinois. 
With  Clarence  Eddy,  she  devoted  four  years  to  the  study  of 
the  organ,  taking  subsequent  lessons  and  doing  some  coach- 
ing with  Harrison  M.  Wild.  Mme.  Fannie  Bloomfield-Ziess- 
ler  was  her  piano  teacher,  and,  under  the  direction  of  this 
wonderful  pianist,  she  made  excellent  progress.  The  late 
Frederick  Grant  OHeason,  a  scholarly  musician  and  composer, 

opened  to  her  the  mysteries  of  harmony  and  fugue,  so  that 

571 


572  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

her  musical  education  has  beeen  conducted  on  the  most  thor- 
ough and  comprehensive  basis. 

Miss  Howard  has  had  flattering  offers  to  go  on  the  road 
with  various  companies,  but  she  has  preferred  to  remain  in 
her  native  State,  and  all  her  work,  as  organist  and  accom- 
panist, has  been  done  in  and  near  Chicago.  For  the  past  two 
years  her  home  has  been  in  this  city  or  vicinity,  and  she  has 
become  well  known  to  its  musical  public.  Before  the  Chicago 
Woman's  Club  she  has  frequently  appeared,  both  as  soloist 
and  accompanist,  and  usually  accompanies  Mrs.  Jennie  Os- 
borne  Hannah,  Frances  Cantdell  and  other  favorite  vocal- 
ists. While  her  reputation  as  an  excellent  accompanist  is 
established,  possibly  her  greatest  success  is  as  an  organist. 
Wherever  she  has  played  she  has  taken  rank  with  the  best 
organists,  and  has  gained  reputation  as  one  of  the  world's 
most  accomplished  women  organists.  She  has  assisted  at  the 
dedication  of  several  organs,  for  nine  and  a  half  years  was 
organist  for  the  People's  Church,  in  Aurora,  later  of  the 
Unity  Church,  Chicago,  and  is  at  present  organist  of  the 
First  M.  E.  Church,  Evanston,  111.  As  a  teacher  she  has 
been  popular  and  successful,  having  large  classes. and  main- 
taining the  highest  standard  of  excellence  in  all  their  work. 
Her  studio  has  been  located  in  Kimball  Hall,  and  her  classes 
have  averaged  at  least  twenty-five  pupils. 

With  definite  ambitions  and  constant,  conscientious  en- 
deavor for  their  attainment,  Miss  Howard  has  obtained  cov- 
eted recognition  in  the  best  musical  circles. 


8Haltcr 


WAITER  HOWE  JOXKS. 


Matter 


It  is  a  fact  which  claims  recognition  that  the  West  is 
giving  to  this  country  more  and  more  men  and  women  of  cul- 
ture and  of  talent.  We  used  to  speak  of  Eastern  culture  and 
Western  enterprise,  Init  while  the  West  has  lost  none  of  its  en- 
terprise, it  is  also  giving  to  the  world  some  of  its  best  and 
most  successful  artists. 

Walter  Howe  Jones  was  born  October  8,  1862,  in  Hast- 
ings, Minn.,  where  his  parents,  Roys  and  Hannah  S.  Jones, 
had  their  home.  His  general,  as  well  as  his  musical,  educa- 
tion was  received  for  the  most  part  in  Chicago,  111.,  and  Ber- 
lin, Germany. 

When  he  began  the  study  of  music  he  aimed  to  have  none 
but  the  very  best  teachers  in  this  country  and  abroad,  and  the 
result  is  shown  in  the  excellence  of  his  work.  He  has  studied 
with  Clarence  Eddy,  in  Paris ;  Amy  Fay,  in  New  York  City ; 
Luclwig,  Deppe,  H.  von  Herzogenberg  and  Teresa  Carreno,  in 
Berlin,  Germany.  Since  his  return  to  this  country  he  has 
lived  in  Clinton,  Iowa ;  Chicago,  111. ;  Champaign,  111. ;  Green- 
castle,  Ind.,  and  for  the  past  two  years  in  Jacksonville,  111. 

Wherever  he  has  lived  he  has  been  connected  with  the  best 
musical  enterprises  of  the  place.  He  has  been  engaged  as  a 
teacher  in  the  conservatories  of  music  connected  with  the  De 
Pauw  University,  Greencastle,  Ind.;  the  University  of  Illi- 
nois, at  Champaign,  111  and  in  the  Conservatory  of  Music 

at  Jacksonville,  111. 

575 


576  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

He  is  connected  with  the  Wednesday  Musical  Club,  at 
Jacksonville;  is  director  of  the  Jacksonville  Choral  Society 
and  Opera  Club.  He  had  the  honor  of  being  elected  the  first 
President  of  the  Choral  Society  of  the  University  of  Illinois 
and  County  Vice-President  of  the  Illinois  Music  Teachers' 
Association. 

He  has  earned  for  himself  an  enviable  reputation  as  a 
successful  teacher,  fine  director  and  an  intelligent  musical 
critic. 

His  superior  educational  advantages  compel  him  to  be 
satisfied  with  nothing  less  than  the  best,  and  his  connection 
with  the  various  musical  organizations  of  Jacksonville  has 
given  them  an  impetus  and  ambition  which  has  been  greatly 
to  their  advantage.  He  leaves  Jacksonville  for  New  York 
City  to  accept  a  position  with  Hinds  &  Noble  as  editor  and 
chief  critic  for  their  musical  publication  department.  It  is  a 
position  for  which  he  is  well  qualified,  and  from  which  he  can 
wield  a  coveted  influence  over  the  musical  affairs  of  the  coun- 
try. 

He  will  be  greatly  missed  in  Jacksonville,  and  the  pros- 
pect of  his  departure  is  the  occasion  of  deep  regret.  The 
position  to  which  he  goes  is  one  in  which  he  will,  no  doubt, 
win  deserved  reputation  among  the  best  musical  critics  of  the 
day. 

His  practical  experience  as  teacher,  director  and  leader 
will  give  him  insight  into  the  real  merits  of  musical  effort  and 
realization  of  result  hardly  possible  to  one  who  has  never  had 
the  benefit  of  like  tuition. 

Mr.  Jones  is  to  be  congratulated  upon  this  new  departure, 
an  honor  richly  deserved, 


Hrdtrtr* 


PHEBE  JEFFKRSOX  KTCETDETC. 


Erettrer, 


Miss  Phebe  Jefferson  Kreider  was  born  in  Jacksonville, 
111.,  her  father  being  Ed.  C.  Kreider  and  her  mother  Mary 
W.  Kreider,  of  that  city.  Most  of  her  life  has  been  spent 
there,  except  when  absent  pursuing  her  musical  studies.  She 
has  had  exceptional  opportunities  to  study  with  the  best  teach- 
ers not  only  in  this  country  but  abroad,  remaining  so  long 
in  both  Dresden  and  New  York  that  she  counts  those  cities 
as  places  of  residence.  She  has  done  a  great  deal  of  most  ex- 
cellent concert  work,  and  has  achieved  an  enviable  reputation 
not  only  in  that  work  but  as  a  soloist  in  church  choirs.  She 
has  been  an  ardent  student  in  both  vocal  and  instrumental 
music,  beginning  her  studies  in  her  native  city.  Among  the 
vocal  teachers  with  whom  she  has  studied  may  be  named  the 
following— Melita  Otto-Alvsleben,  at  Dresden;  Albert  Ge- 
rard-Thiers  and  J.  Harry  Wheeler,  in  New  York.  Her  piano 
teachers  have  been  Henri  Johannesson,  Wallace  P.  Day,  of 
Jacksonville,  111.,  Gustav  Ehrlich,  Frau  Ballard-Dittmarsch 
and  Theador  Mueller-Reuter,  in  Dresden.  She  has  the  gift, 
which  is  a  sort  of  genius,  of  accompanying  well,  and  in  connec- 
tion with  her  work  as  a  teacher  and  a  member  of  musical  clubs 
she  has  given  most  genuine  satisfaction  as  an  accompanist. 

While  enjoying  the  success  which  her  appearance  in  pub- 
lic ever  brought  her,  she  felt  that  her  rare  training  under  so 

579 


580  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

many  masters  gave  her  peculiar  fitness  for  the  vocation  of  a 
teacher,  and  to  this  work  she  is  mainly  devoting  herself.  She 
is  a  vocal  teacher  at  the  Illinois  Woman's  College  and  College 
of  Music,  located  at  Jacksonville,  111.  This  school  has  a  fine 
reputation  even  in  that  educational  center,  and  Miss  Kreider 
has  made  for  herself  a  reputation  second  to  none  in  her  profes- 
sion as  an  enthusiastic,  able  and  conscientious  teacher.  An 
artist  herself  in  both  vocal  and  instrumental  music,  she  gives 
to  her  pupils  most  thorough  instruction  from  the  best  methods, 
and  the  benefit  of  illustration,  that  most  potent  of  teachers. 

She  does  not,  however,  permit  her  work  in  connection 
with  the  school  to  engross  all  her  time  or  attention.  She  is  a 
most  valuable  member  of  the  Wednesday  Musical  Club,  of 
Jacksonville,  and  has  been  very  efficient  in  stimulating  the 
work  of  that  club  to  the  highest  possible  standard.  She  has 
been  a  member  of  its  Executive  Board  and  also  one  of  the 
Program  Committee.  Her  long  residence  abroad  and  the 
many  opportunities  she  has  had  to  meet  great  artists  and  to 
come  in  touch  with  many  musical  organizations  make  her  val- 
uable in  both  her  club  and  school  work,  and  she  is  happy  in  the 
appreciation  shown  her  efforts. 


J/vclrcndt  ILockc  Haurcnce, 


FREDERICK  LOCKE  LAUEEXCE. 


Jfrctrenck  Uocfce 


Frederick  Locke  Lawrence  was  born  January  19,  1869, 
in  Springfield,  Vermont,  the  son  of  Merrill  L.  and  Kate 
Locke  Lawrence. 

As  a  boy  he  was  exceedingly  fond  of  music,  playing  at  his 
first  church  service  when  only  twelve  years  of  age.  He  was 
given  rare  opportunities  to  develop  his  wonderful  talent, 
studying  with  some  of  the  best  masters  in  America  and 
Europe. 

In  1887  he  was  graduated  from  the  Northwestern  Uni- 
versity Conservatory  of  Music  in  Evanston,  and  afterwards 
studied  the  piano  in  Boston  with  B.  J.  Lang  before  going 
abroad.  In  Leipsig  his  teachers  were  Carl  Wendling,  Julius 
Klengel,  Gustav  Schreck  and  Carl  Reinecke. 

Under  Clarence  Eddy  he  prosecuted  his  organ  study,  and 
with  his  various  masters  he  proved  himself  a  conscientious 
and  talented  pupil.  It  was  his  ambition  to  become  a  pianist, 
and  his  playing  while  but  a  youth  was  considered  phenomenal. 

A  severe  attack  of  rheumatic  fever  so  ruined  his  tech- 
nique that  he  was  compelled  to  abandon  this  hope,  and  has  de- 
voted his  time  to  teaching  and  composing.  He  has  gone  deep 
into  the  theory  of  piano  technique,  and  prides  himself  on  being 
an  expert  in  that  line. 

His  home  for  the  past  two  years  has  been  in  Urbana, 

583 


584  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

111.,  but  he  has  lived  in  Claverack,  N.  Y.,  Northfield,  Minn., 
and  in  Evanston,  111.  As  an  instructor  in  piano  he  taught  in 
Evanston  for  three  years,  was  for  five  years  director  of  the 
Claverack  Conservatory  of  Music,  Director  of  the  Carleton 
College  School  of  Music  for  three  years,  and  of  the  University 
of  Illinois  School  of  Music  for  three  years. 

For  many  years  he  has  been  engaged  as  conductor  of  vari- 
ous musical  societies  and  orchestras,  and  in  this  work  has 
achieved  an  excellent  reputation.  As  a  publisher,  he  has  met 
with  gratifying  success,  writing  some  songs  and  quite  a  lit- 
tle for  orchestras.  One  of  his  songs,  "  Go,  Lovely  Rose,"  is 
in  its  third  edition,  and  others  have  been  quite  successful.  He 
has  just  completed  a  book,  "  The  Rationale  of  Piano  Tech- 
nic,"  which  he  expects  to  publish  within  a  year,*  (and  is 
composing  a  set  of  studies  preparatory  to  the  Bach  Little 
Preludes  and  Fugues  which  will  soon  be  given  to  the  public) 
and  which  will  be  used  in  the  regular  course  in  the  musical 
school  in  Urbana. 

While  disappointed  in  his  choice  of  a  career  which  he 
hoped  to  make  brilliant,  Mr.  Lawrence  has  accomplished  much 
in  the  world  of  music  both  as  a  teacher  and  a  composer,  for  he 
has  given  to  his  work  enthusiasm  and  the  results  of  true  cul- 
ture. 

Although  obliged  to  a  great  extent  to  abandon  piano- 
playing,  he  has  played  the  organ  all  his  life— since  his  first 
public  appearance  as  a  boy  in  the  church  service. 

He  plays  it  not  only  with  skill  but  con  amore,  and  his  gift 
for  improvising  is  a  source  of  delight  to  those  who  are  for- 
tunate enough  to  hear  him. 

*"Bach  Preparatory  Studies"  are    just  out.     Published  by  the  Geo.  B,  Jennings 
Co.,  Cincinnati,  O, 


Bureau, 


Among  the  products  of  the  present  age  probably  none  is 
more  potent  in  result  or  more  far-reaching  in  beneficence  to 
the  world  than  is  the  Lyceum  Bureau. 

Some  forty  years  ago  a  few  great  orators,  such  as  Edward 
Everett  and  Wendell  Phillips,  began  to  illuminate  our  public 
lyceum  and  commencement  rostrums  with  their  perfectly- 
wrought,  powerful  and  glowing  orations  and  lectures.  The 
idea  was  in  time  developed  that  men  and  women  of  genius 
would  do  well  to  devote  themselves  to  this  lofty  effort  for  the 
platform  of  the  lyceum,  and  at  the  same  time  the  thought  took 
form  under  an  organizing  head,  or  Lyceum  Bureau.  The 
amount  of  good  accomplished  by  these  institutions  is  hard  to 
estimate.  They  supply  the  people  with  an  inexhaustible  store- 
house of  knowledge,  art,  literature  and  music  where  other 
sources  of  learning  are  circumscribed. 

The  most  noted  lecturers,  readers  and  musicians  place 
their  services  at  the  command  of  some  bureau.  "Not  only 
celebrities,  but  men  and  women  heretofore  unknown,  have  be- 
come famous  under  this  direction.  There  are  three  or  four 
lecture  and  concert  bureaus  that  do  four-fifths  of  the  lyceum 
business  of  the  country,  which  amounts  to  not  less  than  a  mil- 
lion of  dollars  annually.  Among  them  may  be  mentioned  the 

Redpath  Bureau,  of  Boston;  the  Lyceum,  in  Rochester,  N".  Y.; 

585 


586  THE   LYCEUM   BUREAU. 

the  Brockway  Bureau,  of  Pittsburgh,  which  is  associated  with 
the  Slayton  Bureau,  and  the  Slayton  Lyceum  Bureau,  of  Chi- 
cago, besides  smaller  like  organizations. 

Twenty  years  ago  nine-tenths  of  the  bookings  were  made 
by  correspondence,  but  since  then  the  advance  agent  has  taken 
the  field,  under  the  direction  of  the  bureau,  thereby  greatly  in- 
creasing this  special  field  of  education  and  entertainment. 
This  is  all  conducted  in  such  a  quiet  and  unpretentious  way 
that  the  general  public,  even  the  metropolitan  press,  know 
little  of  its  magnitude.  While  difficulties  and  financial  em- 
barrassments have  often  beset  both  the  bureau  and  local  com- 
mittees, hope  for  better  days  has  appeared  with  the  establish- 
ment here  and  there  of  an  endowed  lecture  course.  No  man 
can  put  his  money  to  better  use.  The  lecture  course  is  the 
most  potent  educator  of  the  people;  it  is  their  school,  their 
recreation,  their  college. 

It  is  simply  impossible  in  any  ordinary  review  to  give 
any  idea  of  the  wonderful  work  done  by  these  bureaus.  Suf- 
fice it  to  say  that  most  of  the  greatest  lecturers  of  our  land,  its 
most  delightful  entertainers  of  various  lines,  magicians,  char- 
acterists,  etc.,  its  musicians,  soloists,  both  vocal  and  instru- 
mental, and  musical  attractions,  such  as  bands,  concert  and 
opera  companies,  orchestras,  quartettes  and  musical  clubs,  are 
all  under  the  management  of  some  Lyceum  Bureau. 

In  spite  of  many  obstacles,  difficulties  and,  at  times,  dis- 
couragments,  the  Lyceum  Bureau  has  become  a  permanent 
institution,  inseparable  from  an  advanced  civilization  and  col- 
leges of  learning. 


.  Utiltan  Jftorgan-Jftillcr. 


MRS.  LTLLTAN  MOBGAX  MTLLEE. 


.  Milan 


Among  the  most  ambitious  and  successful  of  Illinois' 
younger  pianists  few  give  greater  promise  than  Mrs.  Lillian 
Morgan-Miller.  She  is  the  daughter  of  Henry  B.  and  Jean- 
nette  W.  Morgan,  of  Peoria,  and  was  born  in  that  city  Jan- 
uary 12,  1882.  Except  when  absent  for  the  purpose  of  ob- 
taining the  best  musical  instruction,  she  has  lived  all  her  life 
in  her  native  city.  She  began  the  study  of  music  with  Mrs. 
E.  D.  McCullough,  of  Peoria,  and  later  came  to  Chicago.  She 
studied  harmony  and  the  theory  of  music  with  Adolph  Weidg 
and  Frederick  Grant  Gleason,  and  the  piano  with  Fannie 
Bloomfield  Zeisler,  all  of  Chicago.  The  talent  which  she  dis- 
played called  forth  such  hearty  commendation  from  her  in- 
structors, and  her  enthusiasm  and  application  as  a  student 
were  such,  that  it  seemed  as  if  she  merited  not  only  the  best 
which  this  country  could  offer  but  that  she  should  have  the  ad- 
vantages of  travel  and  study  abroad.  She  therefore  went  to 
Germany,  that  home  of  music,  where  she  received  instruction 
from  some  of  the  best  professors  of  music  in  Berlin. 

Leopold  Godowsky,  whose  reputation  places  him  among 
the  finest  living  pianists,  and  Xavier  Scharwenka,  a  pianist 
and  composer  of  world-wide  fame,  were  among  her  teachers. 
Miss  Morgan  proved  herself  equal  to  the  demands  even  of  such 

exacting  teachers,  for  it  is  well  known  that  they  accept  as 

589 


590  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

pupils  only  those  who  evince  remarkable  talent.  Since  her 
return  to  her  home  she  has  proved  the  benefit  received  from 
their  tuition. 

She  was  much  interested  in  the  success  of  the  twentieth 
Sangerfest,  of  the  Northwest  Sangerbund,  of  1902,  and  won 
high  encomiums  from  those  whose  good  fortune  it  was  to  hear 
her  play  at  that  time.  Anxious  still  to  keep  in  touch  with  a 
musical  center,  she  is  a  member  of  the  Lake  View  Musical 
Club,  of  Chicago. 

Mrs.  Miller  is  of  most  pleasing  personality,  ambitious, 
thoroughly  imbued  with  the  spirit  of  musical  endeavor. 

At  a  concert  given  in  Peoria  she  played  most  delightfully, 
winning  from  a  musical  critic,  through  the  press,  the  following 
notice:  "  Miss  Lillian  Bruce  Morgan,  who  had  a  double  num- 
ber on  the  programme,  was  by  no  means  the  least  of  the  solo- 
ists. Much  has  been  heard  by  Miss  Morgan's  friends  in  re- 
gard to  her  playing,  and  yesterday  the  young  lady's  perform- 
ance proved  that  half  had  not  been  told.  Miss  Morgan 's  play- 
ing would  make  friends  for  her  anywhere.  Her  technique  is 
remarkable  for  so  young  a  player,  her  touch  is  charmingly 
graceful,  and  the  tone  produced  clear  and  singing.  Her  in- 
terpretation of  the  Chopin  Nocturne  showed  real  musical  feel- 
ing, and  her  playing  of  the  Moskowski  waltz  was  a  brilliant 
achievement.  The  '  Music  Box,'  given  as  an  encore,  was  de- 
lightfully done.  Peoria  has  reason  to  be  proud  of  Miss  Mor- 
gan, whose  future  is  full  of  golden  promise." 


,  Uilltan  Miles 


MRS.  LILLIAN"  WILEY  OBEBATTGH. 


Jttrs.  Utlltan  OTtlcg 


Among  the  younger  native  pianists  who  are  daily  demon- 
strating the  ability  of  American  musicians  to  hold  their  own 
with  any  of  the  foreign  teachers  and  artists,  none  have 
achieved  a  more  substantial  success  or  gained  a  more  enviable 
position  in  the  music  circles  of  Illinois  than  Mrs.  Lillian 
Wiley  Orebaugh,  of  Watseka. 

Mrs.  Orebaugh  is  of  pure  American  stock,  tracing  her 
lineage  from  Revolutionary  ancestors  and  having  lived  her  en- 
tire life  in  Illinois.  Her  father,  now  deceased,  was  John  S. 
Wiley,  a  member  of  one  of  the  prominent  families  of  Mc- 
Lean County,  and  veteran  of  the  Civil  War.  Her  mother  was 
Missouri  Arnold,  whose  family  has  long  occupied  an  honor- 
able place  in  the  annals  of  McLean  County,  where  the  subject 
of  this  sketch  was  born,  and  who  lived  in  and  near  the  city  of 
Bloomington  until  her  marriage  to  David  A.  Orebaugh,  a 
leading  lawyer  of  Watseka. 

At  an  early  age  Mrs.  Orebaiigh  displayed  remarkable  tal- 
ent and  great  enthusiasm  for  music.  Her  first  systematic  in- 
struction was  from  Albert  Beuter,  of  Bloomington,  whose 
death  in  the  morning  of  his  career  deprived  music  of  one  of 
its  most  brilliant  votaries.  Later  she  entered  the  Illinois 
Wesleyan  College  of  Music,  and  finished  the  course  of  that  in- 
stitution with  the  class  of  1894.  Since  her  graduation  she  has 

593 


594  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

taken  post-graduate  instruction  from  some  of  Chicago's  most 
famous  teachers,  being  at  present  a  pupil  of  Emil  Liebling. 

Mrs.  Orebaugh  has  been  actively  engaged  in  concert  work 
and  teaching  for  a  number  of  years. 

In  the  fall  of  1895  she  was  elected  director  of  the  Watseka 
Conservatory  of  Music,  which  position  she  has  since  held  un- 
interruptedly to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  management  and 
patrons. 

The  high  standard  of  musical  attainments  achieved  by 
her  pupils,  who  are  scattered  over  Central  and  Eastern  Illi- 
nois, attests  the  splendid  success  which  Mrs.  Orebaugh  has 
enjoyed  in  her  work. 

Mrs.  Orebaugh 's  attainments  are  not  by  any  means  con- 
fined to  the  realm  of  music.  She  is  a  lady  of  rare  literary  cul- 
ture and  a  writer  of  more  than  ordinary  ability.  At  the  1902 
convention  of  the  Illinois  Music  Teachers'  Association  she  de- 
livered an  address  of  characteristic  strength  and  vigor  of 
thought,  which  stirred  the  interest  of  the  profession  at  large 
and  attracted  the  attention  of  the  leading  daily  papers  and 
music  journals  throughout  the  country.  In  this  address  Mrs. 
Orebaugh  vigorously  advocated  the  competitive  examination 
and  licensing,  under  State  supervision,  of  music  teachers. 

Following  up  her  idea  with  characteristic  energy,  she  pro- 
cured the  introduction  in  the  Legislature  of  a  bill  embodying 
the  suggestions  made  by  her  before  the  convention,  which,  not- 
withstanding its  novelty,  narrowly  escaped  being  enacted  into 
a  law. 

As  a  progressive,  modern,  wide-awake  musician,  with  an 
assured  future,  Mrs.  Orebaugh  ranks  well  among  her  con- 
freres in  Illinois. 


KATHE1UXE  SCHUSTER. 


Ifatfjertne  $dju&ter. 


Musical  environment,  many  excellent  instructors  and  her 
own  persistent  effort  have  combined  to  give  Katherine  Schus- 
ter a  most  desirable  position  among  Chicago 's  musical  artists. 
She  was  born  in  Chicago,  April  30, 1864,  and  lived  in  that  city 
till  1891,  when  she  removed  to  Oak  Park,  where  her  home  has 
been  ever  since.  She  was  educated  at  St.  Patrick's  Academy, 
a  convent  school,  where  her  love  for  music  was  stimulated  by 
the  beautiful  music  she  heard  sung  at  the  masses  and  festivals. 
While  a  schoolgirl  she  studied  the  piano  for  a  few  months 
with  Pauline  Weishaar,  and  later  with  Rose  Dugan.  It  was 
not,  however,  till  she  was  twenty  years  old  that  she  pursued 
her  musical  studies  at  all  seriously.  She  then  began  voice 
culture,  sight  singing  and  the  study  of  harmony  with  Mrs. 
Sara  Hershey  Eddy,  director  of  the  Hershey  School  of  Music, 
and  remained  under  her  tuition  for  about  two  years.  She  has 
always  felt  that  Mrs.  Eddy  laid  an  excellent  foundation  for 
future  work. 

She  resumed  her  piano  study  at  the  Chicago  Musical  Col- 
lege under  Mrs.  Clara  Osborne  Reed,  and  at  the  end  of  three 
years  obtained  a  teacher's  certificate,  and  was  awarded  a  dia- 
mond medal  for  her  excellence  in  harmony.  In  1894-5  she 
studied  vocal  music  with  Miss  Eleanor  Smith,  1899  with  Miss 

Fannie  Root  and  in  1901  with  Mr.  Frank  Baird.     She  studied 

597 


598  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

technique  with  A.  K.  Virgil  and  Miss  Alma  Rose.  The  study 
of  harmony  seemed  to  possess  a  wonderful  fascination  for  her, 
for  later  she  studied  it  with  Mrs.  Jessie  Gaynor  and  Thos. 
Tapper,  of  Boston,  and  others.  She  has  since  herself  evolved 
a  method  for  teaching  harmony  which  her  pupils  find  very 
practical  and  easy  of  comprehension. 

Besides  obtaining  a  teacher's  certificate  from  the  Chicago 
Musical  College,  she  has  devoted  time  to  the  system  of  teach- 
ing music  in  the  Chicago  public  school  (Mr.  Tomlins')  and  to 
Parsons'  Kindergarten  Method-  For  years  she  has  attended 
regularly  the  Thomas'  Orchestra  Concerts,  and  feels  that  this 
has  been  a  great  factor  in  her  musical  education. 

As  will  be  seen  by  this  hasty  review  of  her  student  life, 
she  has  been  and  is  a  most  earnest,  conscientious  and  thor- 
ough scholar.  Since  1890  she  has  had  under  her  instruc- 
tion classes  in  vocal  culture  and  piano  study,  and  for  the  past 
few  years  has  been  connected  with  the  Columbia  School  of 
Music,  of  which  a  former  teacher,  Mrs.  Clara  Osborne  Reed,  is 
the  Director.  In  this  school  she  is  teaching  ear-training, 
sight-singing,  elementary  harmony  and  harmonic  analysis. 
She  has  been  a  member  of  the  Chicago  Apollo  Club  for  years, 
and  is  also  a  member  of  the  Schumann  Club.  A  busy  woman, 
bent  on  self -improvement,  enthusiastic  in  her  profession,  Miss 
Schuster  is  a  most  conscientious  teacher  of  the  art  of  music  in 
its  three  branches,  hearing  it,  reading  it,  and  interpreting 
it  either  through  the  voice  or  piano  with  equal  understanding. 


JTranfeim  H. 


FRANKLIN  L.  STEAD. 


JFraufcltn  1L  £tealr. 


One  hardly  realizes,  unless  circumstances  suggest  re- 
search, how  many  earnest  students  and  how  many  real  artists 
there  are  who,  devoting  themselves  to  the  teacher's  work,  are 
pursuing  their  chosen  vocation  in  every  part  of  our  country. 

Ambition,  stimulated  by  talent,  has  made  opportunity; 
and  opportunity  improved  has  been  followed  by  results  which 
justify  pride.  Possibly  in  no  State  are  there  more  men  and 
women  who,  after  achieving  real  success  in  the  concert-room, 
have  given  themselves  to  the  teacher's  work  than  can  be  found 
in  Illinois,  and  a  recognition  of  their  success  is  always  a  pleas- 
ure. 

Franklin  L.  Stead,  whose  home  for  the  past  four  years 
has  been  in  Jacksonville,  111.,  was  born  September  29,  1864, 
at  Marseilles,  111.  His  general  education  was  received  at  Ot- 
tawa, 111.,  and  Boston,  Mass.  Early,  however,  his  love  for 
music  asserted  itself,  and  he  began  to  devote  himself  especially 
to  preparation  for  his  lifework. 

He  was  a  pupil  in  the  New  England  Conservatory  of 
Music  and  in  the  Boston  College  of  Music,  in  Boston,  Mass., 
and  both  in  Boston  and  Chicago  studied  with  some  of  the  best 
teachers  this  country  has  known.  Among  them  may  be  men- 
tioned Henry  Dunham,  George  Whiting,  Otto  Bendix,  George 

601 


602  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

Chadwick,  Louis  Elsen,  Carl  Faeleten  and  Frank  Hale,  of 
Boston ;  Harrison  Wild  and  Emil  Liebling,  of  Chicago. 

He  has  held  several  fine  positions  as  church  organist,  and 
and  has  done  with  success  a  large  amount  of  concert  work. 

For  ten  years  he  was  the  director  in  the  Conservatory  of 
Music  in  Yankton,  South  Dakota,  and  for  six  years  Profes- 
sor of  Music  in  the  Yankton  College,  teaching  harmony  and 
counterpoint  as  an  elective  in  the  regular  college  course. 

For  the  past  four  years  he  has  held  the  position  of  di- 
rector in  the  College  of  Music  in  Jacksonville,  111.,  a  position 
of  responsibility  which  he  fills  with  great  credit  to  himself, 
and  where  he  has  endeared  himself  to  the  many  pupils  who 
have  had  the  advantage  of  his  training. 

As  a  student,  ambitious,  painstaking  and  conscientious, 
the  same  characteristics  have  marked  his  career  as  a  teacher 
and  made  him  eminently  successful. 

Having  studied  only  with  the  best  teachers  this  country 
knows,  he  has  had  only  the  best  to  offer  to  his  pupils,  and  he 
has  the  tact  and  skill  in  imparting  knowledge  which  are  the 
birthright  of  but  few. 

While  his  work  in  the  concert  room  won  for  him  many 
laurels,  and  Ms  success  was  a  source  of  pride  to  him,  yet  he 
realized  that  to  achieve  the  reputation  as  a  teacher  which 
could  satisfy  his  ambition  he  must  make  that  his  lifework, 
devoting  to  it  all  his  energies. 

Eesults  have  proved  the  wisdom  of  this  decision,  and  he 
occupies  a  foremost  place  among  the  music  teachers  of  Illi- 
nois. He  is  a  member  of  the  State  Music  Teachers'  Associa- 
tion, and  keeps  in  touch  with  the  best  musical  effort  of  the  day. 


fttarg  Broton  Banner, 


MAEY   B.    TANNEE. 


arjj  J3roton  Cantm*. 


Situated  in  the  heart  of  Illinois  is  Jacksonville,  one  of  the 
oldest  towns  in  the  State,  and  for  many  years  a  center  of  liter- 
ary, musical  and  art  activity.  The  seat  of  colleges  and  acade- 
mies of  high  standard,  it  possesses  that  subtle  intellectual  at- 
mosphere so  characteristic  of  college  towns. 

In  this  city,  and  into  an  environment  conducive  to  best  ef- 
fort, Mary  Brown  Tanner  was  born.  In  her  home  she  was 
peculiarly  fortunate.  Both  father  and  mother  were  deeply 
interested  in  all  things  educational  and  literary,  her  father, 
Edward  Allen  Tanner,  being,  until  his  death,  President  of 
Illinois  College. 

Her  musical  education,  begun  in  Jacksonville  under  the 
tutelage  of  Mrs.  Adelaide  Freeman,  was  contimied  later  in 
Boston,  New  York,  Munich,  Dresden,  Paris  and  London,  un- 
der the  able  leadership  of  such  teachers  as  Madam  Hall,  of 
Boston;  Madame  Anna  de  la  Grange  and  M.  Leon  Jancey, 
de  1'Odeon,  of  Paris,  and  Frederick  Walker,  of  the  Royal 
Academy  of  Music,  in  London.  Not  only  has  she  come  in 
contact  with  great  masters,  but  she  has  heard  great  artists  and 
known  the  broadening  influence  of  residence  in  musical  and 
art  centers. 

For  eight  years  Miss  Tanner  has  been  teaching  in  her 
native  city.  She  has  given  much  time  to  organizing  choral 

societies  for  the  presentation  of  cantatas  and  oratorios;  has 

C05 


606  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

done  excellent  service  in  church  choirs,  and  has  appeared  with 
marked  success  in  concert  work.  Realizing,  as  tin.e  passed, 
that  a  successful  teacher  cannot  give  herself  to  the  public  and, 
at  the  same  time,  call  forth  the  highest  development  from  her 
pupils,  she  has  for  the  past  five  years  devoted  herself  almost 
exclusively  to  what  may  be  considered  teacher's  work.  Hav- 
ing made  the  highest  ideals  her  own,  she  endeavors  io  inspire 
like  ambitions  in  the  minds  of  those  under  her  care,  insisting 
always  that  the  best  general  education  is  absolutely  neces- 
sary for  the  fullest  musical  growth.  Into  her  work  she  car- 
ries a  conscientious  desire  for  her  pupils'  advancement;  that 
enthusiasm  which  made  her  own  work  while  a  student  so  suc- 
cessful ;  the  power  of  adapting  herself  to  individual  needs ;  a 
knowledge  of  many  methods  gained  from  various  teachers, 
and,  above  all,  that  indefatigable  energy  so  essential  to  suc- 
cess. As  the  inevitable  result  of  such  training,  many  of  those 
who  have  gone  out  from  her  tuition  are  occupying  with  great 
credit  responsible  positions  as  teachers  and  singers  in  this 
and  other  States. 


KOI3EKT  WALTEK. 


liotot  flatter. 


In  a  little  village  in  Thuringia,  near  Erfurt,  Saxony, 
which  gave  to  the  world  the  famous  Bach  family  and  other 
famous  musicians,  Robert  Walter  was  born,  May  22,  1859. 
The  first  music  which  reached  his  ears,  aside  from  his  mother's 
lullaby,  was  the  chorus  of  anvils  from  his  father's  blacksmith 
shop.  He  was  endowed  with  an  intense  love  for  music,  and 
recognizing  the  fact  that  he  possessed  real  talent,  at  an  early 
age  his  father  placed  him  in  the  hands  of  a  private  instructor, 
and  he  began  the  study  of  the  violin. 

Soon  the  boy  eclipsed  his  master,  and  was  sent  to  the  city 
by  his  father,  where  he  received  more  advanced  instruction, 
and  where  he  later  took  up  the  clarinet  in  connection  with  the 
violin. 

Mr.  Walter  came  to  America  in  1877,  and  spent  two  years 
in  Wisconsin,  after  which  he  accepted  an  offer  from  a  dra- 
matic company  to  play  the  clarinet  in  the  band  and  orchestra. 
After  three  years  he  became  the  leader  of  the  band  and  or- 
chestra, and  remained  with  them  some  time  in  this  capacity. 

In  the  summer  of  1886  he  was  solicited  to  direct  the  Good- 
man Band  at  Decatur,  111.,  but  he  had  already  signed  a  con- 
tract with  his  old  manager.  At  the  close  of  the  season,  how- 
ever, he  accepted  the  invitation,  which  was  still  open  to  htm, 

609 


filO  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

and  has  made  Decatur  his  home  ever  since.     The  band  has 
made  wonderful  progress  under  his  leadership. 

When  Mr.  Walter  became  its  director  the  reed  section  con- 
sisted of  one  clarinet  player,  and  he  a  beginner.  Now  the  sec- 
tion has  ten  B  flat  clarinets,  a  quartette  of  saxophones  and  a 
bassoon.  The  band  has  acquired  a  reputation,  not  only  in  Illi- 
nois but  several  adjoining  States,  as  a  concert  band.  Their 
repertoire  has  become  extensive  and  varied,  including  many 
standard  overtures  and  operas,  which  are  rendered  in  a  man- 
ner to  reflect  great  credit  on  the  organization  and  its  director. 
Mr.  Walter's  ability  as  a  soloist  has  been  a  great  advantage 
to  him,  for  it  has  enabled  him  to  be  not  only  a  director  but  an 
instructor  as  well. 

He  has  become  very  enthusiastic  in  his  work,  and  has  in- 
spired those  associated  with  him  with  the  laudable  desire  for 
the  best  achievement.  Mr.  Walter  has  made  a  special  study 
of  the  arranging  of  programs,  and  in  this}  as  well  as  in  his 
work  as  a  director,  he  has  made  a  great  success.  Few  people 
realize  that  it  is  an  art  to  be  able  to  arrange  a  successful  pro- 
gram that  there  shall  be  suitable  variety  even  where  all  is  of 
the  best  grade  of  music. 

Mr.  Walter  may  congratulate  himself  on  the  reputation 
he  has  as  a  thorough  musician,  a  fine  director  and  for  his  skill 
in  arranging  programs.  Two  diamond  medals,  which  he 
wears,  are  expressions  of  the  appreciation  and  regard  felt  for 
him  by  the  people  of  Decatur. 


JFrclrmdt  Bcntlcg. 


WILLIAM  FREDERICK  BEXTLEY. 


Militant  jFretrertcfc 


This  country  of  ours,  in  which  we  feel  so  just  a  pride,  is 
making  itself  felt  in  the  world  of  music,  art  and  literature, 
as  well  as  in  matters  of  finance  and  questions  of  international 
interest.  Our  schools  of  learning  are  everywhere,  and  our  con- 
servatories of  music  take  rank  with  the  best  of  other  lands. 
These  conservatories  not  only  offer  advantages  to  those  who 
desire  to  study,  but  also  afford  opportunity  for  those  who  are 
ambitious  to  make  for  themselves  a  place  and  a  reputation  in 
the  musical  world. 

Enterprise,  advancement,  are  America's  watchwords,  and 
are  as  marked  characteristics  of  musical  effort  as  of  all  other. 
Among  aspirants  for  such  musical  fame  is  William  Fred- 
erick Bentley,  of  Galesburg,  111.  He  was  born  in  Lenox, 
Ohio,  September  12,  1859.  His  father  was  Cyrus  Augustus 
Bentley,  his  mother  Harriet  (Prentice)  Bentley.  His  musi- 
cal education  has  been  thorough  and  from  the  best  instructors 
he  could  command.  He  is  a  man  of  executive  ability,  and 
enjoys  the  work  of  a  conductor— a  work  in  which  he  excels. 

His  father  was  one  of  the  early  musicians  of  North- 
eastern Ohio,  a  singer  and  a  choral  conductor,  and  the  son  in- 
herits this  ability  of  leadership. 

In  1883  he  was  married  to  Miss  Julia  A.  Webster,  of  Ge- 
neva, Ohio.  In  1885  he  moved  to  Galesburg,  111.,  and  became 

G13 


614  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

the  director  of  the  Knox  Conservatory  of  Music,  in  that  city, 
an  office  he  still  holds.  As  a  teacher,  Mr.  Bentley  has  met  with 
very  great  success.  His  standard  is  high,  he  never  admits  dis- 
couragement, and  he  has  won  the  confidence  of  his  pupils  to  a 
degree  so  remarkable  that  it  has  been  helpful  in  result.  The 
fact  that  he  has  retained  his  position  in  connection  with  the 
conservatory  so  many  years  furnishes  abundant  proof  of  his 
success,  and  he  has  now  become  so  identified  with  the  work  there 
that  he  counts  the  interests  of  the  conservatory  his  own.  The 
work  which  is  achieved  by  this  college  of  music  is  well  known, 
its  graduates  commanding  fine  positions  as  soloists  and  teach- 
ers. Perhaps  comparatively  few  recognize  the  quiet,  untir- 
ing, masterly  work  of  the  director  in  the  satisfactory  results 
attained.  In  addition  to  his  work  as  director  of  the  Knox 
Conservatory  of  Music  and  a  teacher  of  singing,  Mr.  Bentley 
is  also  the  conductor  of  the  Galesburg  Musical  Union,  a  choral 
society  of  over  100  voices,  which  is  attempting  difficult  work 
with  excellent  results.  It  is  a  source  of  encouragement  to 
those  who  are  really  interested  in  the  musical  progress  of  this 
country  that  scholarly,  musical  men  are  willing  to  devote  time 
and  talent  to  the  tuition  of  the  youth  in  our  colleges  and 
schools. 

Musical  standards  are  thus  being  raised,  and  that  such 
faithful  artists  play  a  leading  part  in  what  is  of  vital  im- 
portance to  the  musical  futiire  of  this  land  is  beyond  doubt. 


Mosenficltr. 


The  business  men  of  any  city  or  State  are  its  hope  and 
strength  in  many  important  ways.  Their  success  makes 
possible  the  cultivation  of  what  is  most  beautiful  in  art,  the 
most  enjoyable  in  music,  the  most  elevating  in  the  realm  of 
literature.  Sometimes  this  influence  is  underestimated,  and 
the  maxim  "  honor  to  whom  honor  is  due  "  passes  quite  out 
of  life's  daily  practice,  if  not  wholly  out  of  thought. 

No  man  has  left  his  imprint  more  indelibly  on  the  busi- 
ness history  of  Mcline,  111.,  than  Morris  K.  senfield,  who,  as  a 
shrewd  financier  and  intelligent  manufacturer,  and  prom- 
inently identified  with  political  affairs,  made  his  influence 
felt  in  all  directions.  He  was  born  in  Germany,  December 
18,  1841,  his  parents,  Jacob  and  Ellen  Rosenfield,  being  na- 
tives of  Germany.  He  came  to  America  when  young,  and  in 
the  early  sixties  became  interested  in  a  farm  wagon  manu- 
facturing company  located  in  Moline,  111.  As  a  result  of 
his  influence,  the  business  was  organized  into  a  corporation, 
which  was  known  as  the  Moline  Wagon  Co.  He  was  elected 
the  first  President,  and  held  this  position  without  interrup- 
tion until  his  death  in  Germany  in  1899.  Under  his  wise 
administration,  the  business  developed  rapidly  into  one  of 
the  largest  institutions  of  the  kind  in  America.  It  is  practi- 
cally the  most  important  factory  in  this  country  devoted 

exclusively  to  the  manufacture  of  farm  wagons. 

61G 


616  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

He  was  a  very  firm  Republican,  and  actively  interested 
not  only  in  State,  but  in  national  political  issues.  For  six 
years  he  held  the  position  of  Chairman  of  the  Rock  Island  Re- 
publican County  Committe.  He  was  delegate  to  the  National 
Conventions  which  nominated  Elaine  and  Logan,  Harrison 
and  Reid. 

His  calm  judgment  and  keen  insight  into  matters  of 
finance  made  him  a  most  valued  advisor,  and  he  was  always 
ready  to  give  to  others  the  benefit  of  his  experience.  He 
was,  until  his  death,  Director  of  the  First  National  Bank, 
and  Vice-President  and  Director  of  the  People's  Savings 
Bank  of  Moline,  111. 

Nothing  which  was  indentical  with  the  business  or  so- 
cial advancement  of  the  city  in  which  he  lived  was  unnoticed 
by  him.  He  was  a  man  of  broad  sympathy  and  generous 
impulses,  interested  in  literary  enterprises  and  the  develop- 
ment of  the  best  intellectually,  morally  as  well  as  financially, 
that  lay  within  the  possibilities  of  those  about  him. 

He  was  married  in  1874  to  Julia  Ottenheimer,  of  Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio.  Into  his  domestic  life  he  carried  the  same 
integrity,  the  same  lofty  purpose,  which  marked  his  career 
in  other  directions.  In  his  death  Moline  and  Illinois  lost 
an  honored  citizen,  a  valuable  counsellor,  a  man  of  unerring 
business  instinct,  and  one  who  was  second  to  none  in  his 
achievements  for  manufacturing  interests  which  had  come 
under  his  control.  Mr.  Rosenfield  was  a  man  who  enjoyed 
the  social  side  of  life  and  affiliation  with  men  of  affairs.  He 
was  a  member  of  the  Union  League  Club,  of  Chicago,  and 
also  of  Masonic  and  other  fraternal  societies. 


.  fcttcfjartr  $.  Yates. 


MKS.  IUCHAHD  P.  YATE8. 


rs.  Eitfjartr  ¥ates. 


One  of  Illinois'  daughters  now  occupies  the  position  of 
first  lady  of  the  State,  and  the  grace  and  dignity  with  which 
she  is  filling  that  place,  so  full  of  varied  and  often  perplexing 
demands,  have  made  her  a  most  enviable  reputation  among 
those  with  whom  she  has  been  brought  in  contact.  Illinois' 
daughters  are  making  their  impress  on  all  the  higher  walks  of 
life,  and,  as  artists  and  singers,  composers  and  writers,  as  well 
as  in  positions  of  honor  and  trust,  are  proving  themselves 
equal  to  every  sort  of  attainment. 

Helen  Wadsworth  was  born,  September,  1865,  in  Jack- 
sonville, 111.  Her  father  is  Archibald  C.  Wadsworth,  her 
mother  Delia  A.  (Witherbee)  Wadsworth.  The  history  of 
her  ancestry  links  itself  with  that  of  the  Revolution,  as  is  evi- 
denced by  the  fact  that  she  is  a  member  of  the  Daughters  of 
the  American  Revolution. 

In  October,  1888,  she  manned  Richard  Yates,  an  am- 
bitious, talented  young  lawyer,  and  during  almost  sixteen 
years  has  been  his  helper  in  every  possible  way— a  womanly 
woman,  a  home-lover,  a  devoted  mother,  yet  discharging,  in 
gracious  manner,  the  many  public  duties  which  have  devolved 
upon  her.  She  was  educated  at  the  Illinois  Woman's  College, 
at  Jacksonville,  111.,  and  is  an  earnest,  devoted  patron  of  music 

and  art.    In  a  very  quiet,  unassuming  way,  she  helps  those 

619 


620  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

who  are  struggling  for  recognition  in  the  world  of  fame  to 
help  themselves,  and  in  the  success  of  their  achievements  finds 
her  compensation.  One  well-known  composer,  in  speaking  of 
those  who  had  encouraged  and  aided  her,  said—"  But,  first  of 
all,  I  must  always  mention  my  dear  Mrs.  Yates,  who  has  given 
me  the  opportunity  to  make  possible  what  seemed  the  impos- 
sible." 

So  manifold  have  been  the  duties  connected  with  life  at 
the  Executive  Mansion,  that  Mrs.  Yates  has  not  been  able  to 
identify  herself  with  the  work  of  the  various  clubs  in  Spring- 
field, as  she  would  have  been  glad  to  do  under  other  circum- 
stances. Not  contented  with  being  a  nominal  member,  the 
many  social  obligations  resting  upon  her  have  made  anything 
else  impracticable.  Eight  hundred  calls  paid  during  the  past 
three  years  is  an  item  which  indicates  her  busy  life,  and  surely 
furnishes  abundant  reason  for  her  not  attempting  what  she 
knows  she  could  not  accomplish. 

Governor  and  Mrs.  Yates  have  two  lovely,  bright  little 
daughters,  Catherine  and  Dorothy,  aged  twelve  and  eight 
years.  Mrs.  Yates  is  a  member  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  and 
anxious  for  success  in  all  lines  of  church  work.  Although, 
to  a  great  degree,  unable  to  actively  participate  in  the  work 
done  by  literary,  social  and  philanthropic  clubs,  her  interest 
in  their  achievements  is  very  great,  and  she  has  a  keen  and  in- 
telligent appreciation  of  what  is  being  accomplished  by  the 
women  of  our  own  and  other  lands. 

Of  most  charming  presence,  full  of  genuine  hospitality, 
genial  and  courteous,  sympathetic  and  helpful,  Mrs.  Yates 
will  always  be  remembered  most  lovingly  by  those  who  have 
best  known  her  life  in  the  position  she  is  filling  so  well. 


Jftag   Jf.  Carpenter* 


MISS  MAY  F.  CAKPEXTEB. 


JHtes  Jftaj)  JF, 


While  claiming  the  sunny  South  as  her  birthplace,  Oak 
Park,  111.,  for  the  past  ten  years,  has  been  the  home  of  the 
rarely  talented  young  artist,  Miss  May  F.  Carpenter.  She  was 
born  in  Kentucky,  March  21, 1878,  but  obtained  her  education 
in  Indianapolis  and  Chicago.  Both  vocal  study  and  the  study 
of  the  piano  have  received  from  her  most  unflagging  atten- 
tion, and  in  both  she  is  making  a  fine  reputation,  a  circum- 
stance so  rare  as  to  merit  special  comment.  She  has  studied 
the  piano  with  Militzer,  of  the  American  Conservatory  of 
Music,  and  with  F.  Bush.  For  eight  years  she  has  been  a 
pupil  of  W.  C.  E.  Seeboeck,  whose  reptuation  as  a  pianist  is 
national,  and  under  his  tuition  achieved  such  success  that 
for  years  she  has  been  his  assistant  teacher  of  piano.  No 
greater  endorsement  could  possibly  be  given  her  than  this  as- 
sociation with  Mr.  Seeboeck,  and  he  does  not  hesitate  to  voice 
his  opinion  of  her  talent  and  success  in  very  emphatic  terms. 
He  said  of  her—"  Miss  Carpenter  has,  for  a  number  of  years, 
been  a  most  earnest  worker  with  me,  and  is  now  a  thorough 
and  enthusiastic  musician  and  teacher."  In  vocal  music,  she 
has  studied  with  Jessie  L.  Gaynor,  Nelson  Burritt,  Edward 
Nell,  of  Indianapolis,  and  Mrs.  C.  Trimble.  With  these 
teachers,  she  has  also  made  an  exceptionally  fine  record,  and 

when  she  has  appeared  in  many  recitals  she  has  won  laurels 

623 


624  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

both  as  a  pianist  and  vocalist.  Besides  the  work  she  does  in 
assisting  Mr.  Seeboeck,  she  has  met  with  great  success  in  her 
own  class,  which  she  teaches  in  her  studio  in  the  Fine  Arts 
Building.  Concert  work  also  engrosses  much  of  her  time,  her 
most  recent  appearance  being  with  Prof.  Seeboeck,  at  Oak 
Park.  This  concert  was  a  great  success,  and  received  the 
most  flattering  notices,  not  only  from  local  papers  but  from 
the  Chicago  press  as  well.  While  she  delights  in  her  work 
both  as  a  vocalist  and  pianist,  it  is  safe  to  predict  that  she  will 
eventually  concentrate  her  efforts  in  one  direction,  and  pres- 
ent indications  are  that  it  is  her  greatest  ambition  to  excel  as 
a  pianist.  Possibly  recognizing  this  fact,  a  Chicago  paper 
wrote — "  Miss  Carpenter's  musicale  last  night  brought  to  the 
front  a  pianist  of  unusual  merit.  She  scored  a  great  tri- 
umph, and  it  is  predicted  she  will  make  a  brilliant  career  as  a 
pianist." 

While  busy  in  her  studio,  in  her  work  as  a  teacher  else- 
where, and  with  her  concert  work,  Miss  Carpenter  still  finds 
time  to  identify  herself  with  some  of  the  leading  clubs  of  Chi- 
cago and  vicinity.  She  is  a  member  of  the  Schumann  Club, 
of  Chicago,  and  the  Beethoven  Club,  of  Oak  Park.  Miss  Car- 
penter is  a  notable  example  of  what  real  talent,  supplemented 
by  enthusiasm  and  perseverance  and  stimulated  by  ambition, 
can  accomplish.  Such  success  should  inspire  to  like  effort 
every  ambitious  young  artist,  in  spite  of  many  discourage- 
ments, which  possibly  seem  almost  insurmountable. 


.  Jflorence  &,  jittagnug. 


MRS.  FLORENCE  R.  MAGNUS. 


,  JfUvmtt 


Chicago  is  becoming  each  year  more  and  more  a  center  to 
which  ambitious,  earnest  men  and  women  come,  and  where 
they  do  most  creditable  work.  The  Fine  Arts  Building  is  a 
wonderfully  busy  hive,  where  sculptors  and  painters,  singers 
and  pianists,  writers  and  artists,  flock,  and  from  which  goes 
out  an  influence,  refining,  uplifting  and  educational,  through 
the  whole  community.  Among  those  who  have  a  home  in  this 
pleasant  building  is  Mrs.  Florence  E.  Magnus,  a  conscientious 
and  successful  teacher,  as  she  was  an  enthusiastic  and  earnest 
pupil.  Mrs.  Magnus  was  born  in  New  York  City,  February 
24, 1856,  the  daughter  of  Phoebe  and  Edwin  Eeynolds.  Aside 
from  New  York,  she  has  lived  in  St.  Louis,  Hamburg,  Ger- 
many, and,  for  the  past  twenty  years,  has  had  her  home  in 
Chicago,  identifying  herself  with  its  musical  growth  and  in- 
terested in  all  its  musical  effort.  She  was  educated  at  first 
in  her  native  city,  and  began  singing  in  concerts  there  at  the 
very  early  age  of  five  years,  and  from  that  time  till  she  was 
thirteen  appeared  many  times  and  became  a  great  favorite. 
Her  ambition  was  to  educate  herself  for  the  grand  opera,  for 
which  her  beautiful  voice  and  charming  presence  seemed  pre- 
eminently to  fit  her.  Signer  Severini,  of  New  York,  was  her 
instructor  in  singing,  and  she  studied  the  piano  with  Henry 

Maylath,  of  the  same  city.     Under  these  teachers,  she  made 

627 


628  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

progress  which  seemed  almost  phenomenal.  Her  friends 
cherished  for  her  the  highest  ambitions,  and  she  looked  for- 
ward to  a  distinguished  career.  Ill  health,  which  has  doomed 
many  a  young  aspirant  for  fame  to  disappointment,  compelled 
her  to  abandon  a  career  which  was  so  full  of  promise,  but  she 
still  desired  to  pursue  her  studies,  so  she  decided  to  go  to  Ger- 
many to  study  piano.  She  made  Hamburg  her  home,  and 
strove,  in  her  devotion  to  art,  to  forget  in  a  measure  that 
wrhich  had  so  changed  all  the  plans  of  her  life.  Her  earlier 
tuition  and  the  habits  of  study  formed  almost  in  babyhood, 
aided  by  her  talents,  made  her  a  most  apt  and  satisfactory 
pupil,  and  her  advancement  was  quite  beyond  the  usual.  Her 
teacher  was  Prof.  Degenhardt,  and  she  remembers  the  time 
she  spent  as  his  pupil  with  the  greatest  pleasure.  Some  time 
after  her  return  to  America  she  came  to  Chicago,  and,  in  1893, 
began  teaching  in  this  city,  a  vocation  she  still  follows  most 
successfully.  She  is  not,  however,  so  entirely  occupied  with 
duties  within  her  own  studio  that  she  ignores  the  claims  of 
others.  She  is  a  valued  member  of  the  Amateur  Musical 
Club,  of  Chicago,  and  there  are  few  musicians  so  full  of  sym- 
pathy for  students  trying  to  fit  themselves  for  a  professional 
career  as  is  Mrs.  Magnus.  Her  methods  are  the  best,  and 
from  her  own  experience  she  is  able  to  give  to  her  pupils  much 
of  value  to  them  which  cannot  be  found  in  any  text-book,  the 
result  of  a  life  in  which  ambitions  have  had  to  be  surrendered, 
and  yet  the  years  all  laden  with  usefulness  and  real  achieve- 
ment. 


limits 


LOUIS  LEHMAXN. 


Uouis  Hefjmann* 


Louis  Lehmann  was  born  in  Muehl  am  Neckar,  King- 
dom of  Wurtemberg,  Germany,  May  1,  1851. 

His  father,  Joel  Lehmann,  was  a  school-teacher.  Early 
he  began  the  study  of  music  under  the  most  able  tutelage.  He 
was  educated  at  Esslingen,  Kingdom  of  Wurtemberg,  Ger- 
many, and,  later,  in  this  country.  He  first  studied  the  piano, 
organ  and  harmony  under  the  direction  of  Prof.  Christian 
Fink,  of  Royal  Seminary,  Wurtemberg.  After  coming  to 
America  he  still  pursued  these  branches  of  musical  study  with 
Prof.  Louis  Ritter,  of  Vassar  College.  His  vocal  teachers 
have  been  M.  S.  Downs  and  C.  G.  Buck,  of  Poughkeepsie,  N". 
Y.,  and  J.  B.  Barnaby,  of  Springfield,  111.  He  has  been  not 
only  an  indefatigable  student,  but  has  also  been  ambitious  and 
successful  in  his  achievements. 

Springfield,  111.,  has  been  Mr.  Lehmann 's  home  for  the 
past  twenty-three  years,  and  he  has  thoroughly  identified  him- 
self with  all  the  musical  enterprises  of  that  city.  Since  living 
there,  he  has  twice  given  the  "  Creation  "—once  with  an  or- 
chestra and  once  without— the  Farmer's  Mass  in  B  flat  in  con- 
cert, "  Belshazzer's  Feast  "  (Butterfield)  in  costume,  Men- 
delssohn's "  Hymn  of  Praise,"  and  Sullivan's  "  Prodigal 
Son  "  twice. 

All  his  life  he  has  been  to  some  extent  before  the  public 

631 


632  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

wherever  lie  lias  lived.  While  in  Cooperstown,  N.  Y.,  he  was 
organist  of  the  Presbyterian  church.  In  Poughkeepsie,  N. 
Y.,  he  was  director  of  the  Twenty-first  Kegiment  Band  and 
also  of  Morning  Musicales,  on  Saturdays,  at  Eastman's  Na- 
tional Business  College. 

For  four  years  he  was  organist  of  the  Baptist  Church,  and 
of  St.  Paul's  Episcopal  Church  for  one  year.  Since  residing 
in  Springfield,  111.,  he  has  conducted  several  societies,  among 
them  the  former  Mendelssohn  Society,  the  Oratorio  Society, 
Choral  Union,  and,  for  twelve  years,  was  the  director  of  music 
at  the  Chatterton  Opera  House. 

For  six  years  Mr.  Lehmann  was  organist  of  St.  Paul's 
Pro-Cathedral,  for  one  year  at  the  Congregational  Church,  and 
for  the  past  fifteen  years  has  held,  and  still  holds,  the  position 
of  organist  in  the  First  Presbyterian  Church. 

For  twenty-three  years  he  has  been  the  director  of  the 
Illinois  Watch  Company  Band,  an  organization  in  which  he 
takes  the  deepest  interest.  From  this  little  sketch  of  his  busy 
life,  his  versatility  of  talent  and  enthusiastic  devotion  to  his 
profession  are  easily  recognized.  For  years  he  has  especially 
interested  himself  in  the  best  success  of  band  and  orchestral 
music,  particularly  as  represented  by  the  band  of  which  he  so 
long  has  been  the  director. 

Mr.  Lehmann  has  contributed  the  greater  part  of  his  en- 
tire income  to  keeping  this  band  in  the  very  foremost  rank, 
and  his  unselfish  devotion  has  been  rewarded  by  the  success 
attained.  It  is  such  self-sacrificing  artists  who  are  an  uplift 
and  inspiration  to  all  musical  effort.  The  name  of  Louis 
Lehmann  will  always  be  inwrought  into  the  musical  history 
of  the  city  which  he  so  long  has  called  his  home. 


SUilfjelntma  Jftarte 


ELEANOR    SCHEIB. 


lEleanor  OTiljjelmtna  fftarte 


Eleanor  Scheib,  although  a  young  artist,  has  had  so  bril- 
liant a  career  that  she  is  well  known  to  the  music-loving  public 
of  Chicago.  Born  in  Chicago,  October  15, 1878,  and  educated 
almost  entirely  in  the  city  of  her  birth,  those  who  are  inter- 
ested in  noting  the  progress  of  young  American  artists  feel 
peculiarly  gratified  at  her  success.  Her  parents,  John  Adam 
and  Antonie  Amalie  Scheib,  recognized  the  talent  of  their  lit- 
tle daughter,  and  she  began  to  receive  instruction  on  the  piano 
when  not  quite  six  years  of  age.  Her  first  public  appearance 
was  made  in  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  where  she  played  before  an 
audience  of  two  thousand.  Her  teachers  in  Chicago  have 
been  Wm.  A.  Fuhring,  Miss  May  Lucine  Potvin  and  Mrs. 
Regina  Watson  in  piano  study,  and  A.  J.  Goodrich,  now  of 
New  York  City,  Herbert  Wrightson  and  Adolph  Weidig,the 
latter  of  the  American  Conservatory,  in  harmony. 

She  made  her  professional  debut  in  Chicago,  at  Music 
Hall,  Fine  Arts  Building,  in  recital,  February  13,  1900,  al- 
though she  had  done  a  great  deal  of  excellent  work  for  three 
or  four  years  previous  to  that  time.  She  is  a  member  of  the 
Amateur  Musical  Club,  of  Chicago,  and  is  very  enthusiastic 
in  all  musical  work.  Miss  Scheib  has  been  recognized  for 
years  as  one  of  the  leading  pianists  in  Chicago.  She  has  ap- 
peared in  concerts  in  Brooklyn,  Boston  and  other  Eastern 

635 


630  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

cities,  and  has  made  extensive  tours  through  the  West. 
Through  her  artistic  work  at  the  George  Hamlin  concerts, 
during  the  past  two  seasons,  she  has  received  most  compli- 
mentary notices  from  the  daily  papers  and  various  musical 
publications.  The  Strauss  music  accompanying  the  recita- 
tion of  "  Enoch  Arden  "  has  been  rendered  repeatedly  by 
Miss  Scheib  with  most  notable  success. 

As  every  pianist  knows,  this  music  requires  an  artist,  and 
an  accomplished  artist,  at  the  piano,  or  the  beauty  of  the  com- 
position is  absolutely  lost.  Miss  Scheib 's  rendition  has  com- 
bined technical  accuracy  with  most  intelligent  interpretation, 
the  dramatic,  poetic  and  sympathetic  requirements  of  this  dif- 
ficult composition  being  so  admirably  met  that  she  stands 
without  a  peer  in  the  execution  of  this  exceedingly  difficult 
music.  Her  technique  is  excellent,  and  she  plays  with  a  deli- 
cacy of  expression  and  an  intelligence  which  make  her  a 
favorite  with  those  who  appreciate  the  true  artist. 

Miss  Scheib  has  most  charming  presence,  freedom  from 
affectation,  a  genuine  musical  temperament,  and  merits  the 
place  she  has  made  for  herself  among  the  best  pianists  of  the 
day.  More  and  more  the  fact  that  the  pupils  of  our  Ameri- 
can teachers  may  achieve  success  second  to  none  is  obtain- 
ing recognition,  and  their  career  is  a  source  of  pride  to  those 
interested  in  the  progress  of  music  and  artists  in  Chicago  and 
Illinois. 


Nellie 


NELLIE  HOBBS  SMYTHE 


Few  have  attained  as  enviable  a  reputation  along  so  many 
lines  of  musical  work  as  has  Mrs.  Nellie  Hobbs  Smythe,  who 
was  born  in  Terre  Haute,  Ind.,  November  12,  1865.  Early 
her  musical  tastes  were  decidedly  developed,  and  when  but  fif- 
teen she  was  playing  an  organ  in  church. 

In  1884,  she  was  granted  a  diploma  from  the  Mt.  Car- 
roll, 111.,  Female  Seminary  for  proficiency  in  piano,  organ, 
harmony  and  composition,  history  and  vocal  music.  The 
following  year  she  received  an  especial  medal  for  a  post- 
graduate course,  and  remained  in  the  school  for  three  years 
as  one  of  the  instructors  in  music.  During  this  time  she  came 
regularly  to  Chicago,  receiving  instruction  from  the  best 
teachers,  and  also  devoted  some  time  to  concert  work.  Her 
parents  removed  to  Benton  Harbor,  Mich.,  and  in  1888  Mrs. 
Smythe  established  the  music  department  of  the  "  College  " 
of  that  city.  The  season  of  1889-90  was  spent  in  Europe  vis- 
iting the  conservatories  of  Leipsic  and  Dresden,  and  study- 
ing with  the  best  masters  in  Berlin.  Among  Mrs.  Smythe 's 
teachers  may  be  named  Wm.  H.  Sherwood,  of  Chicago ;  Prof. 
Karl  Klindworth,  Berlin ;  Frau  Melvina  Bree,  Theodore  Les- 
chetizks  and  Prof.  Edward  Gartner,  both  of  Vienna. 

Upon  her  return  to  America,  the  work  of  teaching  in  the 

"  College  "  was  continued,  with  some  concert  work,  until  her 

639 


640  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

marriage  in  1892.  After  this  time,  for  four  years,  her  home 
was  in  Wichita,  Kan.,  where  she  acquired  a  State  reputation 
as  a  musician. 

In  the  summer  of  1896,  Mrs.  Smythe  with  her  husband 
(also  a  musician— a  tenor  singer),  went  abroad,  where,  for 
three  years,  they  both  devoted  themselves  to  the  study  of 
music,  with  headquarters  at  Vienna,  Austria. 

Returning  to  America,  after  a  short  concert  tour  in  the 
West,  they  located  in  Chicago.  Here  Mrs.  Smythe  at  once 
engaged  in  teaching,  accompanying  and  concert  work,  and 
was  secured  as  the  soprano  in  the  quartette  in  the  People's 
Church  (Dr.  H.  W.  Thomas'),  at  McVicker's  Theatre. 

During  the  seasons  of  1900,  1901  and  1902,  Mrs.  Smythe 
traveled  as  soprano  with  the  Madrigal  Club,  the  last  season 
under  the  management  of  the  Central  Lyceum  Bureau.  In 
the  fall  of  1902,  she  again  assumed  charge  of  the  Music  De- 
partment of  the  "  College  "  at  Benton  Harbor,  Mich.  In 
addition  to  this,  she  maintains  a  studio  in  the  Fine  Arts 
Building,  Chicago,  and  prosecutes  her  special  line  of  work 
in  the  illustrated  musical  lecture  field,  which  has  developed 
rapidly  the  past  few  seasons  and  calls  her  to  all  parts  of  the 
country. 

The  press  everywhere  is  unanimous  in  its  commendation 
of  this  special  line  of  work  as  done  by  Mrs.  Smythe. 

Her  stage  presence  is  magnetic,  her  repertoire  varied 
and  large,  her  accompaniments  translate  and  emphasize  the 
very  soul  of  song,  and  a  most  brilliant  future  is  predicted  for 
this  versatile  artist. 


.  Jiabts. 


MKS.  ESTELLE  B.  DAVIS. 


fttvs.  <£stcllc  B,  Habts. 


Litchfield,  111.,  was  the  birthplace,  June  11,  1867,  of  Miss 
Estelle  Beach,  and  has  been  her  home  all  her  life. 

Her  father  was  a  prominent  manufacturer  and  business 
man  of  that  city,  having  been  connected  with  the  Litchfield 
Car  and  Machine  Co.,  with  Beach,  Davis  &  Co.,  bankers,  with 
the  gas  and  electric  plants,  and  otuer  enterprises.  She  was 
graduated,  in  188-1,  from  the  public  schools  of  the  town,  and 
spent  a  year  at  the  Academy  of  Jacksonville,  111.  Her  musi- 
cal education  was  begun  at  the  age  of  nine  years,  with  local 
teachers,  but,  owing  to  ill  health,  her  studies  were  much  in- 
terrupted. At  the  Academy  she  began  violin  lessons  and 
commenced  her  piano  study.  In  1885,  she  went,  with  he*1  pa- 
rents, to  California  and  Colorado,  continuing  her  violin  work 
while  in  Colorado.  She  made  her  first  appearance  at  a  Sun- 
day concert  at  the  penitentiary  at  Canon  City,  it  being  the 
custom  to  invite  all  visitors  to  the  city  who  were  musical  to 
sing  or  play  at  the  Sunday  service.  Her  health  being  now 
fully  restored,  she  resumed  her  musical  studies,  on  her  return 
home,  by  going  to  Jacksonville  once  a  week.  Miss  Alice 
Rhoades  was  her  violin  teacher  and  Mrs.  Freeman  her  vocal 
instructor.  The  next  two  years  she  studied  the  violin  with 
Prof.  Lehmann,  of  Springfield,  111. 

Subsequently  Prof.  Waldauer,  of  the  Beethoven  Con- 

643 


644  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

servatory,  in  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  was  her  teacher,  and  she  was 
graduated  from  this  conservatory  in  1895.  Since  then  she 
has  studied  the  violin  with  Wm.  Elterich,  of  New  York,  and 
for  the  past  two  years  piano  with  Mrs.  J.  A.  Gerhard,  who  is  a 
resident  of  Litchfield. 

On  February  16,  1893,  Miss  Beach  was  married  to  Mr. 
David  Davis,  who  was  captain  in  the  Fourth  Illinois  during 
the  Spanish- American  War.  During  1892-93-94,  she  was 
leader  and  first  violin  in  a  small  orchestra,  which  was  organ- 
ized for  study  and  pleasure.  She  is  a  charter  member  of 
the  Woman's  Club,  which  was  organized  in  1890,  and  was  its 
President  for  three  years— 1897  to  1900.  Through  her  efforts 
a  musical  department  was  added  to  the  club,  and  they  took  up 
the  study  of  musical  history,  using  a  text-book  by  Fillmore. 
The  programs  were  from  American  composers.  In  1900-02, 
they  studied  a  few  of  the  early  composers  and  discussed  vari- 
ous musical  forms,  using  Apthorp's  "  Opera,  Past  and 
Present,"  as  a  text-book,  and  giving  musical  illustrations 
from  the  operas.  In  1902-03,  Mrs.  Davis  was  elected  chair- 
man of  this  department,  an  office  she  still  holds.  Under  her 
direction  they  have  continued  their  study  of  opera,  and  used 
Folk  songs  and  national  music  of  various  countries  in  their 
programs. 

Last  winter,  a  ladies'  chorus  was  organized,  with  Mrs.  J. 
A.  Gerhard  as  director,  and  the  hope  is  to  make  the  organiza- 
tion permanent. 

A  most  gifted  musician,  with  rare  executive  ability,  Mrs. 
Davis  is  a  wonderful  help  and  a  constant  inspiration  to  those 
about  her,  and  that  she  is  appreciated  is  shown  by  the  posi- 
tions which  she  so  ablv  fills. 


MKS.  AXXA  GROFF-BRY'ANT. 


With  the  spirit  of  perseverance  which  distinguishes  the 
worker  of  the  West,  Mrs.  Anna  Groft'-Bryant  has  made  a 
place  for  herself  among  American  teachers,  which  shows  how 
true  merit  can  command  success. 

Born,  thirty-six  years  ago,  on  a  Wisconsin  farm,  she 
spent  her  childhood  years  in  a  wholesome,  out-of-door  life, 
storing  up  the  energy  which  has  made  it  possible  for  her  to 
endure  the  strain  of  her  later  work,  under  which  a  less  rugged 
nature  must  have  broken. 

The  father,  Michael  Groff,  was  a  sturdy  German ;  in  fact 
both  mother  and  father  came  of  German  stock,  and  up  to  the 
child's  twelfth  year  English  was  unknown  to  her.  At  this  age 
she  was  sent  to  the  Milwaukee  Female  Seminary,  where  her 
first  study  in  English  branches  began.  After  two  years  at 
Milwaukee,  she  entered  the  academic  course  at  Northwestern 
University.  The  several  years  following  found  her  deeply 
engrossed  in  college  work.  Sciences  and  subjects  involving 
research  appealed  most  strongly  to  her. 

It  was  during  her  work  at  Evanston  that  her  musical 
study  began.  From  the  completion  of  her  academic  work 
her  whole  energy  was  devoted  to  the  study  of  music,  particu- 
larly to  the  voice,  with  a  singer's  career  in  view. 

Later  the  study  of  the  voice  from  the  deeper,  the  scien- 

047 


648  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

tific  standpoint,  interested  her.  She  saw  in  every  human  be- 
ing the  possibility  of  vocal  development.  She  made  a  thor- 
ough investigation  among  musical  authorities  in  a  search  for 
the  truth.  She  studied  with  various  teachers,  analyzing,  com- 
paring and  contrasting  vocal  methods. 

Beginning  her  own  work  as  a  teacher,  results  demon- 
strated her  theories  from  the  first.  The  work  became  so  en- 
grossing that  it  demanded  the  sacrifice  of  her  own  public  ca- 
reer. In  less  than  ten  years  she  has  attained  a  success  which, 
though  it  may  seem  remarkable,  is  purely  legitimate,  and 
traces  back  to  natural  causes. 

A  day  spent  in  her  studios  in  the  Fine  Arts  Building 
finds  her  dealing  with  every  variety  of  condition,  from  the 
crudest  tone  to  the  most  advanced. 

She  studies  each  student  from  the  individual  standpoint, 
bringing  to  each  the  remedy  for  his  special  condition.  Of  as 
great  interest  to  her  as  the  musical  side  of  her  art  is  the  study 
of  the  human  voice  as  an  instrument.  All  the  crudities  and 
defects  of  tone  are  dealt  with,  as  well  as  diseases  of  the  throat, 
even  loss  of  voice  being  successfully  treated. 

Mrs.  Bryant  believes  that  every  voice  has  range  and  com- 
pass and  volume  as  truly  as  any  other  instrument.  If  a 
voice  is  of  limited  range  it  is  the  fault  of  the  trainer. 

Mrs.  Anna  Groff-Bryant  is  an  untiring  student,  an  ar- 
dent worker  in  the  cause  of  voice  development  and  artistic 
singing,  and  her  success  is  the  natural  result  of  earnest  effort. 


Eatfjeruw  £#car  Cornell. 


KATHERINE  SPEAK  COILXELL. 


Hatfjmnc  &PNU*  Cornell. 


Mrs.  Katherine  Spear  Cornell,  known  in  musical  circles 
for  her  beautiful  voice  and  her  thorough  musical  education, 
is  the  daughter  of  Mary  E.  and  Wm.  H.  Spear,  and  was  born 
in  Hinsdale,  111.,  October  28,  1872.  Except  when  away  for 
the  purpose  of  studying,  she  has  always  lived  in  or  near  Chi- 
cago, and  for  the  past  fourteen  years  has  made  this  city  her 
home.  Early  in  life  she  had  a  keen  desire  to  devote  herself  to 
the  study  of  music,  of  which  she  was  passionately  fond.  Most 
gratefully  does  she  remember  Mrs.  Ellen  S.  Crosby's  helpful 
influence  at  this  time  in  directing  her  towards  the  study  of  the 
best  music  and  the  reading  of  choice  literature.  Those  who 
know  Mrs.  Crosby's  enthusiastic  devotion  to  the  study  and  in- 
terpretation of  the  choicest  in  the  realm  of  music  can  imagine 
how  great  an  inspiration  she  could  be  to  this  gifted  young 
girl,  on  the  threshold  of  life,  hardly  knowing  how  to  attempt 
the  achievement  she  thought  possible.  She  began  her  musi- 
cal studies  in  Chicago,  and  prosecuted  them  later  in  Boston 
end  London.  While  in  Boston,  she  studied  with  Signer  Au- 
gusta Rotoli,  and  became  imbued  by  him  with  the  ambition  to 
fit  herself  for  work  in  grand  opera.  With  this  in  view,  she 
studied  most  unremittingly  under  excellent  teachers,  and  her 
wonderful  voice,  as  it  matured,  gave  promise  of  magnificent 

results.    In  Chicago  her  teachers  were  Frederick  W.  and  Miss 

651 


652  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

Fanny  Root,  Varasi,  Wm.  Nelson  Burritt  and  Max  Heinrich. 
These  teachers  all  encouraged  her  to  persistent  effort,  for  na- 
ture had  endowed  her  with  a  voice  of  fine  range,  great  sweet- 
ness and  remarkable  power,  and  she  felt  its  cultivation  might 
mean  much  to  her  in  many  ways.  After  the  year  of  study  in 
Boston,  of  which  mention  has  been  made,  she  went  abroad 
and  studied  under  Wm.  Shakspeare  and  George  Henschel. 
Her  concert  work  has  been  most  successful,  and  she  has  sung 
in  some  of  the  best  churches  in  Chicago.  For  two  years  she 
sang  in  Dr.  Thomas'  church  (while  the  services  were  held  at 
McVicker's  Theatre),  at  Trinity  M.  E.  Church,  and  through 
Philip  Hale 's  influence  secured  a  position  in  Dr.  De  Norman- 
die 's  church,  in  Boston.  After  leaving  Boston,  Philip  Hale 
wrote  repeatedly  to  her,  urging  her  to  return  to  that  city  and 
make  her  debut  there  with  the  Boston  Symphony  Club.  About 
this  time  her  sister,  Edna,  died.  This  young  girl  was,  like  her 
sister,  very  fond  of  music,  and  when  but  sixteen  was  an  ac- 
complished violinist.  This  sad  event  exerted  a  great  influence 
upon  the  older  sister.  She  gave  up  her  plans  to  become  a 
singer  of  grand  opera,  and,  although  no  less  a  lover  of  music, 
has  enjoyed  it  in  her  home,  and  has  sung  only  in  churches, 
sometimes  in  concerts  or  in  private  social  circles.  In  June, 
1892,  she  married  John  Evans  Cornell,  of  Hyde  Park.  Al- 
though as  much  interested  as  ever  in  music,  Mrs.  Cornell  is 
most  happy  at  home  with  her  three  little  ones,  and,  unless 
some  entirely  unforeseen  emergency  should  render  it  neces- 
sary, the  public  will  probably  only  hear  this  gifted  singer  in 
the  most  limited  way.  Mrs.  Cornell  is  a  most  devoted  mother, 
and  feels  no  regrets  that  earlier  ambitions  were  relinquished. 


Jpvank  Cro.xton. 


There  is  no  career  where  the  results  of  good,  early  train- 
ing are  more  evident,  or  in  which  the  right  foundation  is  more 
essential  to  success,  than  in  that  of  the  professional  musician. 
The  fallacy  of  the  old  belief  that  almost  any  sort  of  a  teacher 
will  do  for  a  beginner  has  been  so  often  proved,  that  wise 
parents  and  those  having  charge  of  pupils  who  desire  to  study 
music  realize  how  gross  an  error  it  is  to  permit  any  care- 
less teaching  or  imperfect  method  to  enter  into  the  commence- 
ment of  a  musical  education. 

Frank  Croxton,  one  of  the  most  promising  young  musi- 
cians of  the  day,  does  not  fail  to  acknowledge  the  fact  that  to 
his  splendid  early  training  he  owes  much  of  his  unusual  suc- 
cess. He  was  born  in  Paris,  Kentucky,  October  7,  1877,  the 
son  of  Chester  and  Mary  Henderson  Croxton.  His  father 
was  not  only  a  fine  singer  but  a  thorough  and  accomplished 
musician  as  well,  and  was  his  son's  first  instructor.  Thus  the 
boy  had  ever  about  him  the  influence  of  a  true  artist,  and  it 
stirred  his  ambition  and  stimulated  effort.  After  studying 
with  his  father,  he  was  placed  successively  under  the  tuition 
of  Prank  Herbert  Tubbs  and  Oscar  Saenger,  of  New  York 
City,  and  Frank  Barton  Webster,  of  Chicago.  His  voice, 
which  is  a  rare  basso,  has  thus  had  the  advantage  of  the  best 
culture,  and  this  has  often  won  for  him  positions  over  older 

and  more  experienced  singers. 

653 


054  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

He  is  a  versatile  artist,  having  had  some  experience  as  a 
conductor,  and  following  the  vocation  of  a  teacher  in  addi- 
tion to  his  choir  and  concert  work.  He  is  the  basso  soloist  at 
the  Kenwood  Evangelical  Church  and  in  the  Jewish  Temple, 
Chicago. 

To  him  has  also  been  accorded  the  honor  of  being  soloist 
with  the  Thomas'  Orchestra  on  Festival  trips  for  two  seasons. 

He  has  a  large  repertoire  of  operas  and  oratorios,  and 
spent  three  years  singing  operas  in  the  very  best  companies. 

For  the  past  three  years  Mr.  Croxton  has  been  a  resident 
of  Chicago,  and  teaches  in  connection  with  the  Chicago  Con- 
servatory of  Music,  where  the  success  of  his  pupils  is  a  source 
of  great  pride  and  gratification  to  him.  In  this  work  he 
shows  the  excellence  of  his  early  training,  and  aims  to  give  to 
those  under  his  instruction  the  advantages  which  have  been  of 
such  value  to  him. 

Mr.  Croxton 's  voice  and  stage  presence  adapt  him  par- 
ticularly for  the  most  difficult  oratorio  work,  a  work  he  great- 
ly enjoys.  Such  has  been  his  success,  that  to-day  he  is  con 
sidered  one  of  the  best  oratorio  bassos  now  singing  in  America. 
This  is  a  distinction  rarely  accorded  to  one  of  his  age,  and 
the  future  should  hold  no  limit  to  the  musical  possibilities  be- 
fore this  ambitious  musician. 


fftafcclle 


Possessed  of  a  rich  and  beautiful  contralto  voice,  with  a 
charming  personality  and  sunny  disposition,  Mabelle  Craw- 
ford is  a  favorite  in  musical  and  social  circles.  Perhaps  it 
is  her  own  freedom  from  the  little  jealousies  too  often  ap- 
parent among  singers  that  has  won  her  the  friendship  even 
of  those  who,  like  herself,  are  striving  to  win  the  favor  of  the 
public.  It  is  about  twelve  years  since  she  made  her  debut  in 
Chicago,  and  since  that  time  she  has  sung  almost  constantly  in 
Chicago  churches,  as  well  as  in  other  musical  work.  For 
years  she  was  the  contralto  soloist  at  St.  Paul's  Church,  and 
also  at  tho  Kchilath  An-'hc  Mayno  Synagogue.  She  has  sung 
in  the  most  important  cities  throughout  the  United  States  in 
opera,  concert  and  oratorio  work.  Her  magnificent  voice  par- 
ticularly adapts  her  for  the  work  in  the  larger  roles  of  operas 
and  oratoric«,  and  she  has  grown  steadily  in  favor  since  her 
first  appearances.  She  is  remarkably  conscientious  in  her 
work,  and  shows  in  every  branch  of  it  the  intellectuality  which 
is  one  of  her  dominating  characteristics.  As  a  student,  she 
has  always  evinced  the  most  artistic  tastes  and  genuine  refine- 
ment in  all  her  thought,  and  her  singing  shows  the  results  at- 
tained by  this  sort  of  devotion  in  the  acquiring  of  knowl- 
edge. Her  stage  presence  is  not  only  pleasing,  but  at  once 
impresses  her  audience  with  the  feeling  that  an  ambitious  and 

refined  artist  is  before  them. 

655 


O-lf)  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

The  excellence  of  her  achievements  has  found  endorse- 
ment from  those  with  whom  she  has  appeared,  representing 
the  best  in  musical  circles.  Among  them  may  be  named  Win. 
H.  Sherwood  and  Max  Bendix,  who  stand  in  the  foremost 
ranks  of  Chicago's  artists.  Twice  she  sang  at  the  Interna- 
tional Exposition,  and  won  from  those  immense  audiences  the 
greatest  applause,  and  added  many  to  the  laurels  already  hers. 
At  the  great  New  York  Chautauqua,  for  some  years  she  was 
the  contralto  soloist.  There  she  not  only  delighted  the  pub- 
lic, but  won  the  highest  encomiums  from  members  of  the 
faculty.  From  their  expressions  of  satisfaction  we  quote— 
"  No  singer  has  ever  achieved  greater  success  upon  the  Chau- 
tauqua platform  or  given  better  satisfaction  than  has  Miss 
Mabelle  Crawford." 

Miss  Crawford's  voice  is  not  only  a  large  voice  and  of 
wide  range,  but  it  is  a  voice  of  the  most  exquisitely  sym- 
pathetic quality.  Whether  interpreting  the  themes  of  ora- 
torios or  the  arias  from  operas  or  singing  sacred  anthems, 
which  she  greatly  enjoys,  the  same  intelligence  is  apparent 
in  her  rendition,  and  her  voice  most  wonderfully  answers  to 
each  shade  of  thought.  Her  ballad  singing  is  a  delight,  for 
every  variety  of  song  finds  pleasing  interpretation  by  this 
young  artist's  rich,  sweet  voice.  Miss  Crawford's  career  is 
so  full  of  promise  that  her  future  is  fraught  with  interest  not 
only  to  the  Chicago  public  but  to  music-lovers  all  over  the 
country. 


